Delta State-NIGERIA — The CIDO Asthma Foundation has marked this year’s World Asthma Day with a large-scale awareness campaign and free medical outreach in Igbuzo, Delta State, as health advocates renewed calls for improved access to life-saving inhaler treatment.
The event, held on Tuesday at the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Event Centre in Oshimili North local government area, drew residents from Igbuzo and neighbouring communities, alongside healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers. Attendees received education on asthma prevention, diagnosis and treatment, as well as access to free consultations and medication.
World Asthma Day, observed on the first Tuesday of May and organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma, aims to raise awareness of the chronic respiratory condition and promote better care worldwide. This year’s theme – “Access to Anti-Inflammatory Inhalers for Everyone with Asthma – Still an Urgent Need” – underscores persistent global inequalities in access to essential medicines.
Speaking at the event, the foundation’s team lead, Pat Adigwe, said the initiative was designed to improve public understanding of asthma and to address gaps in treatment.
He noted that asthma affects more than 260 million people globally and is responsible for over 450,000 deaths each year, many of which could be prevented with timely diagnosis and appropriate medication.
“Access to inhaled corticosteroids remains a major challenge, particularly in low-resource settings,” Adigwe said. “This campaign is focused on ensuring that patients understand the importance of regular treatment and have access to affordable inhalers.”
He emphasised that inhaler therapy is critical not only for long-term management but also in emergencies, warning that neglecting prescribed medication significantly increases the risk of severe attacks and death.
The foundation’s chief co-ordinator highlighted the organisation’s ongoing commitment to providing free care, revealing that more than 850 asthma patients have received treatment at no cost since its inception. This includes the provision of inhalers and other essential drugs.
According to him, the organisation remains the only dedicated asthma treatment centre in Delta state offering free services to patients, a role he described as both necessary and urgent given the burden of the disease.
“This foundation is open to every asthma patient,” he said. “We provide free treatment, free drugs and inhalers because we believe nobody should die from asthma due to lack of access to medication.”
He called on government agencies, corporate bodies and private individuals to support the expansion of the initiative, warning that without sustained funding, many vulnerable patients would remain at risk.
The programme also featured a series of health talks delivered by medical experts, who outlined common asthma triggers, including air pollution, allergens and respiratory infections, and demonstrated the correct use of inhalers.
Several beneficiaries shared personal testimonies, describing how the foundation’s interventions had enabled them to manage their condition effectively and avoid life-threatening complications.
The event was attended by representatives of local political leadership. Frank Esenwah, who represents Oshimili North constituency in the Delta state house of assembly, was represented by his senior special assistant, Henry Mordi.
Mordi commended the foundation’s efforts, describing its work as a “life-saving intervention” and urging broader institutional support for similar health initiatives.
The presence of supporters added a festive atmosphere, with banners and placards expressing solidarity with healthcare efforts in the constituency.
Participants described the outreach as both informative and impactful, with many calling for its expansion to reach more communities. As the event concluded, organisers reiterated that improving access to inhaler therapy remains central to reducing preventable asthma deaths.