World Asthma Day is observed every year on the first Tuesday of May, this is an initiative to provide a common platform to researchers, pharmacists, pulmonologist and others to participate and take required action to address the increasing prevalence of asthma in the world.
It is a inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and easily triggered bronchospasms. It creates extra mucus that blocks the airway by making it narrow.
HISTORY of World Asthma Day
This day was first observed in 1998 as an initiative taken by the GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) an organization established in 1993. Back then, 35 countries were involved in this global awareness initiative.
SIGNIFICANCE of World Asthma Day
This lung disease kills over 1000 people globally every day as per the Global Asthma Report 2018. Asthma affects approximately 339 million people every year. Most of these people including kids go undiagnosed and then untreated leading to their death. According to WHO, this chronic disease is more prevalent among the lower and middle income countries. This disease is becoming more and more common these days and the rising figures are scary enough to take necessary action worldwide.
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THEMES of World Asthma Day
Every year The World Asthma Day is observed with a theme to focus on a particular factor and work towards it throughout the year. This year’s theme for the World Asthma Day hasn’t been declared yet. Below are the previous year’s themes.
2000 : Everyone normal breathing
2001: Unite to overcome asthma
2002: Understanding asthma
2003: Reducing the asthma burden
2004: Emphasis on asthma, reduce the burden of asthma
2005 and 2006: The Unmet Needs of Asthma
2007-2015: You Can Control Your Asthma (The sub-theme in 2015 was It’s Time to Control Asthma
2016: You Can Control Your Asthma
2017: Allergy And Asthma
2018: Better Air Better Breathing
2019: STOP For Asthma
