“World Asthma Day 2023”:

Commemoration of Global Awareness on 2 May:

• World Asthma Day, observed globally on the first Tuesday of May every year, serves as an important health care event aimed at raising awareness about asthma globally.  This year, on May 2, 2023 (Tuesday), many international and local organizations have united in their efforts to combat this prevalent non-communicable disease affecting both children and adults.

Theme of World Asthma Day 2023:

• In line with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), this year’s theme, “Asthma Care for All”, underlines the urgent need to increase access to high-quality medical care.  It addresses disparities in asthma-related deaths and hospitalizations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where limited access to asthma care remains a significant challenge.

Annual Theme of World Asthma Day:

• 2022 (May 3): “Closing the gap in asthma care”.
  • 2021 (5 May): “Exposing asthma myths”.
  • 2020(5 May): “Many deaths from asthma. “
  • 2019 (7 May): “Stop for Asthma”.

Significance of World Asthma Day (WAD):

• Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting both children and adults globally.  Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other governing bodies, asthma is both a cause and consequence of poverty, especially in low- and middle-income countries.  According to WHO data, approximately 262 million people suffer from asthma, with a global mortality rate of 455,000 in 2019.
• The Global Burden of Disease Report (GBDR) in 2019 highlighted India as the country bearing the highest and growing burden of asthma-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years worldwide.  Despite accounting for only 13% of the world’s asthma population, India accounts for 42% of global asthma mortality, with over 34 million asthma patients in the country.
• The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases both identify asthma as a priority.  These organizations implement diverse strategies to enhance the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of asthma.  In India, individuals with asthma face intractable symptoms on a daily basis, adversely impacting their quality of life, school attendance and work productivity.

Purpose and Strategies of “Asthma Care for All”:

• The theme of “Asthma Care for All” aims to motivate resource-rich countries to establish and execute comprehensive asthma management programs.  These steps include various strategies such as:
  • Updating pulmonologists with the latest information on prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
  • -Organizing free asthma screening clinics sponsored by newspapers or pharmaceutical companies.
  • Creating radio commercials highlighting its impact on asthma control and hospitalizations.
  • Organizing diagnostic, educational and treatment bus trips to reach rural areas.
  • To educate children through peak flow meter testing in schools before World Asthma Day.
  • Displaying asthma related information in local hospitals.
  • Establishing dedicated informational websites for asthma clinics.
  • Informing local and national media about asthma-related statistics and World Asthma Day.
  • Receiving support from politicians and celebrities suffering from asthma.
  • Hosting events such as walks, runs, swims and football games with the participation of local celebrities and persons suffering from asthma.

History of World Asthma Day:

• The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), a partner organization with the World Health Organization, launched World Asthma Day in 1993.  Its adherence increased significantly after the first World Asthma Meeting in Barcelona, ​​Spain in 1998, which was attended by more than 35 countries.  Over the years, World Asthma Day has evolved into an important platform to raise awareness and educate people about asthma around the world.

  Measures to prevent asthma:

• Several preventive measures can help avoid asthma, including:
  • Avoid exposure to triggers like air pollution, cold air and fragrances.
  • -Minimizing contact with allergens.
  • Stay away from smoke from cigarettes, candles, incense and fireworks.
  • Limiting contact with sick people (cold or flu).
  • Maintaining dust free environment.
  • Adherence to timely vaccination to prevent diseases like pneumonia, diphtheria, tetanus, zoster and whooping cough.
  • Adhere to prescribed asthma medications.
• Understanding and implementing these preventive strategies can significantly reduce the risk of developing asthma and reduce its symptoms, leading to better overall health.

conclusion:

• The article highlights World Asthma Day 2023, with an emphasis on the theme “Asthma Care for All”.  This highlights the urgent need to improve access to quality care globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where disparities in asthma-related deaths persist.  With data emphasizing the global burden and the disproportionate impact on countries like India, the article emphasizes the importance of initiatives targeting asthma prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
• The strategies outlined under the theme aim to bridge the gaps in asthma care using various approaches such as education, awareness campaigns, screening and involvement of multiple stakeholders.  The history of World Asthma Day, which began in 1993 and grew into a global event, outlines its evolution as an important platform for education and awareness.
• Furthermore, preventive measures against asthma include avoiding triggers, maintaining a healthy environment, vaccination and consistent medication adherence.  It is important to implement these measures to reduce the risk of asthma and its symptoms to improve overall health.  Ultimately, World Asthma Day 2023 reiterates the collective responsibility to ensure comprehensive asthma care globally.

FAQs.

Q. What is World Asthma Day and when is it celebrated?

A. World Asthma Day, observed globally on the first Tuesday of May every year, serves as an important health care event aimed at raising awareness about asthma globally.  This year, on May 2, 2023 (Tuesday), many international and local organizations have united in efforts to combat this prevalent non-communicable disease affecting both children and adults.

Q. What is the theme and reason for World Asthma Day 2023?

A. In line with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), the 2023 theme, “Asthma Care for All”, underlines the urgent need to increase access to high-quality medical care.  It addresses disparities in asthma-related deaths and hospitalizations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where limited access to asthma care remains a significant challenge.

Q. What is the history of World Asthma Day?

A. The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), a partner organization with the World Health Organization, launched World Asthma Day in 1993.  Its adherence increased significantly after the first World Asthma Meeting in Barcelona, ​​Spain in 1998, which was attended by more people.  35 countries.  Over the years, World Asthma Day has evolved into an important platform to create awareness and educate people about asthma around the world.

Q. What has been the theme of World Asthma Day for the last five years?

A. – 2023 (2 May): “Asthma Care for All”.

– 2022 (May 3): “Closing the gap in asthma care”.

– 2021 (5 May): “Exposing asthma myths”.

– 2020(May 5): “Many deaths from asthma. “

– 2019 (7 May): “Stop for Asthma”.