The appeal was made in a statement issued on Tuesday to commemorate World Asthma Day 2026, with the theme: “Access to Anti-inflammatory Inhalers for Everyone with Asthma – Still an Urgent Need.”
According to the society, the rising cost of inhalers—particularly anti-inflammatory medications—has placed effective asthma care beyond the reach of millions of Nigerians. It noted that asthma affects more than 15 million people in the country, many of whom continue to suffer preventable attacks, hospitalisations, and fatalities despite the availability of treatment.
The group warned that the high cost of recommended medications has forced many patients to depend solely on reliever inhalers, which only address symptoms without tackling the root cause of the disease.
In the statement signed by its President, Professor Musa Babashani, and Secretary-General, Dr Oluwafemi Ojo, the society stressed the urgency of addressing the affordability gap.
“The NTS notes with concern that the escalating cost of essential medications—specifically inhaled corticosteroids—has placed life-saving treatment out of reach for the average citizen,” the statement read.
“Asthma is primarily an inflammatory disease of the airways. While ‘blue’ reliever inhalers provide temporary relief, they do not treat the underlying inflammation. The 2026 theme emphasises that anti-inflammatory inhalers (preventers) are the cornerstone of treatment.”
Babashani emphasised that access to proper asthma care goes beyond clinical considerations, framing it as a broader issue of fairness and rights.
“Every Nigerian living with asthma, from pre-school children to the elderly, deserves access to evidence-based care. We cannot continue to rely solely on reliever medications while the underlying inflammation remains untreated. This is not just a medical issue; it is a matter of equity and human rights,” he said.
To close the treatment gap, the society urged both federal and state governments to subsidise and include combination inhaled corticosteroids in insurance drug lists, making them more accessible and affordable.
It also called on healthcare professionals to prioritise preventive therapies and ensure patients are well-informed on proper inhaler use and adherence.
Beyond policy and clinical practice, the society appealed to pharmaceutical companies to scale up local production and improve supply chains to prevent shortages and stabilise prices.
“To the Federal and State Governments: We urge the inclusion of essential asthma medications, specifically combination inhaled corticosteroids, in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the state Health Insurance Schemes’ drug list at subsidised rates to improve accessibility and affordability.
“To Healthcare Professionals: We call on clinicians in the country to prioritise the prescription of anti-inflammatory therapies and provide thorough patient education on proper inhaler techniques and adherence to prescription.
“To the Pharmaceutical Sector: We advocate for increased local production, improved distribution logistic management chains to prevent stockouts and to stabilise the soaring costs of inhalers in the Nigerian market,” the statement added.
The society also addressed widespread misconceptions about asthma, stressing that the condition is neither spiritual nor contagious, but a manageable medical disorder.
“Asthma is not a spiritual attack or a contagious disease; it is a manageable medical condition. We encourage anyone experiencing a chronic cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath to seek an evaluation from a qualified respiratory specialist,” it stated.
As part of activities marking the week, the society said its members would conduct free asthma screenings at selected teaching hospitals and host public awareness webinars focusing on trigger identification and proper inhaler use.
The renewed call underscores growing concern among health experts that without urgent reforms in pricing, access, and awareness, Nigeria’s asthma burden could continue to rise despite the availability of effective treatments.