GSK partners ENOF on asthma control

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Limited has partnered with the Elias Nelson Oyedokun Foundation to raise awareness about asthma management in children.

Speaking at a symposium in Lagos as part of activities marking the 2015 World Asthma Day themed, “You can control your asthma,” the Medical Science Liaison, GSK Nigeria, Dr. Omolabake Okunubi, said until recently, awareness in Nigeria about asthma was relatively low, and people were unaware that the disease could be controlled.

She said though there is no cure for asthma, scientific evidence shows that the condition can be effectively controlled, hence the need to educate affected persons and their caregivers on how to manage it.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterised by recurrent breathing problems and symptoms, such as breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing.

Okunubi said, “We aim to create as much awareness about asthma as possible. We do this in partnership with government organisations and non-governmental organisations, such as the Elias Nelson Oyedokun Foundation. This partnership with ENOF will help us increase people’s awareness about the burden of asthma in Nigeria and how it can be controlled.”

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She added that GSK has taken a step further to ensure that asthma medications are accessible and affordable for all.

“We understand the cost implication required in the treatment and control of asthma and that is why we have rolled out medications that are affordable, so that patients suffering from the disease can have access to quality medication. We recommend that patients visit their physicians for appropriate assessment,” she added.

Delivering a presentation entitled, “Asthma in school children,” Consultant Paediatrician with the Massey Street Children Hospital, Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, said there was the need to educate care givers in schools and crèches on the first line of treatment for children living with asthma.

According to her, there should be a management plan tailored specifically for each child suffering from asthma, such that they are adequately catered for when there is an attack.

Mabogunje said, “Schools need to be educated and empowered to help a child with asthma. It is not a death sentence, it can be controlled. There should be a rescue plan in place for acute episode.”

President of ENOF, Mrs, Lola Ilaka, said to prevent deaths from asthma among children, the organisation would train caregivers and teachers in improved asthma care.