World Asthma Day: Drug shortages and high costs deepen Nigeria’s asthma crisis

By Olayimika Raimi 

Every year, on the first Tuesday of May, the world pauses to observe World Asthma Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about asthma and improving the lives of those affected by the condition. In 2026, the theme, “Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma – still an urgent need”, resonates strongly in Nigeria, where millions continue to face barriers to effective treatment.

Asthma, though common, is often misunderstood. It is a chronic disease that affects the airways, causing inflammation that makes breathing difficult. For many, it begins subtly, persistent coughing at night, occasional wheezing, or a feeling of tightness in the chest. Over time, these symptoms can worsen, leading to breathlessness and repeated asthma attacks that disrupt daily life. Despite its potential severity, asthma is highly manageable when properly diagnosed and treated.

The challenge, however, lies not just in diagnosis but in the kind of treatment patients receive. Asthma care typically involves two types of inhalers. Reliever inhalers provide quick, temporary relief during an attack, helping patients breathe easier in the moment. Anti-inflammatory inhalers, on the other hand, address the root cause by reducing inflammation in the airways and preventing future attacks. Yet, in many cases across Nigeria, treatment leans heavily toward relievers, leaving the underlying condition insufficiently managed.

This gap in care reflects a broader issue within the country’s healthcare landscape. The Nigerian Thoracic Society estimates that over 30 million Nigerians are living with asthma, but a significant number remain undiagnosed or improperly treated. Limited awareness, both among patients and some healthcare providers, contributes to this problem. Symptoms are often dismissed as minor respiratory issues, delaying proper medical evaluation and intervention.

Access to essential medication further complicates the situation. In recent years, the cost of inhalers, particularly anti-inflammatory ones, has risen sharply, placing them out of reach for many patients. The exit of major pharmaceutical companies such as GlaxoSmithKline has worsened availability, leading to shortages and forcing patients to rely on whatever alternatives they can find. In some cases, this has opened the door to substandard or counterfeit products, posing additional risks to already vulnerable individuals.

Beyond cost and availability, misconceptions about asthma treatment persist. Some patients avoid using inhalers altogether, believing they may become dependent on them or that needing one is a sign of severe illness. These beliefs, coupled with social stigma, discourage consistent use of prescribed medications, ultimately leading to poor disease control.

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The consequences are visible in the growing number of people living with uncontrolled asthma. Frequent hospital visits, missed school or work days, and reduced quality of life have become common experiences for many patients. Yet, these outcomes are largely preventable. With early diagnosis, proper use of anti-inflammatory inhalers, and sustained access to quality medication, individuals with asthma can lead full, active lives.

World Asthma Day serves as a reminder that awareness alone is not enough. For Nigeria, it underscores the urgent need for systemic change. Expanding health insurance coverage to include essential asthma medications, strengthening drug regulation to eliminate counterfeit products, and investing in local production of inhalers could significantly improve access. At the same time, sustained public education campaigns are needed to dispel myths and encourage timely medical care.

As the global community marks this year’s observance, the message is clear: asthma should not be a life-limiting condition. But for millions of Nigerians, the ability to breathe freely still depends on overcoming barriers that are as much economic and systemic as they are medical.