Asthma
Asthma, a common non-communicable disease that
causes inflammation of the air passages in the
lungs, is characterized by recurrent attacks of
breathlessness, wheezing, and other breathing
difficulties. Asthma affects nearly 300 million
people worldwide and kills more than 200,000
each year, mostly in poor countries where it
creates a high health and economic burden. As
the world’s population continues to move
toward cities, it is estimated that an
additional 100 million people may have asthma
by 2025.
Treatment generally involves two types of medications: those that help prevent attacks and those that help to stop attacks when they occur. However, the majority of people with asthma in low‑ and middle-income countries do not have access to effective treatment. Asthma medicines can cost 20 percent or more of a poor family’s income.
WLF supports research, education, and technical assistance to improve understanding of asthma and to support development of effective treatment strategies.
Treatment generally involves two types of medications: those that help prevent attacks and those that help to stop attacks when they occur. However, the majority of people with asthma in low‑ and middle-income countries do not have access to effective treatment. Asthma medicines can cost 20 percent or more of a poor family’s income.
WLF supports research, education, and technical assistance to improve understanding of asthma and to support development of effective treatment strategies.
WLF and Asthma by Numbers
- More than $90,000 raised for asthma diagnosis and treatment.
- Nearly 200 nurses, clinicians and pharmacists trained in asthma diagnosis and treatment in Kenya.
- One set of standardized asthma recording tools.
Spotlight: Asthma
The Kenya Association for the Prevention of
Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (KAPTLD) is a
constituent member of The Union and a member of
the Stop TB Partnership. To improve asthma
diagnosis and care in Kenya, KAPTLD has
implemented a three-pronged approach:
Hayden Isbister, an investment attorney from
the Cayman Islands, made his first-ever visit
to New York City to run the Half-Marathon as a
member of WLF’s team. His passion for the
cause pushed him to raise more than double the
$1,000 required to qualify to run. He spoke to
WLF about his relationship to running, the
motivation his family provided, and the
experience of running through Times Square at
daybreak.
- Train health care providers and provide technical support to enhance good clinical practice in asthma;
- Subsidize and deliver preventive medications;
- Obtain data on disease burden by introducing recording and reporting tools in health facilities.