Why do we observe World Asthma Day?

World Asthma Day was first celebrated in the year 1998 by the GINA in more than 35 countries after its first “World Asthma Meeting” in Barcelona, Spain. 

The aim is to raise awareness, care and support for those affected by asthma. Whilst the primary focus is supporting the person with asthma, support may also extend to family, friends and caregivers. 

Organised by healthcare workers across the globe, World Asthma Day focuses on educating the public on what research has found to be the most effective ways of controlling and treating asthma. This year the theme is ‘You can control your Asthma’. 

According to World Health Organization estimates, 300 million people in the world suffer from asthma and it’s the most common chronic disease among children. WHO also notes that asthma affects people in all countries around the world regardless of development although most deaths occur in lower income countries. Approximately 250,000– 345,000 people die per year from the disease. 

India has an estimated 15-20 million asthmatics. Rough estimates also indicate a prevalence of between 10% and 15% in 5-11-year-old children.