The CIDO Asthma Foundation on Tuesday joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Asthma Day with a large-scale awareness campaign and free medical outreach in Igbuzo, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The event, held at the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Event Centre, drew a wide audience, including residents from Igbuzo and surrounding communities, healthcare professionals, asthma patients, caregivers, and community leaders. Participants gathered to gain deeper insight into asthma prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
World Asthma Day, observed every first Tuesday in May, is a global initiative organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to raise awareness and promote improved care for people living with asthma.
The 2026 theme, “Access to Anti-Inflammatory Inhalers for Everyone with Asthma – Still an Urgent Need,” underscores the critical need to make inhaled medications particularly corticosteroids accessible and affordable. These medications play a vital role in preventing asthma attacks and reducing avoidable deaths.
Speaking at the event, the Team Lead of the foundation, Dr. Pat Adigwe, explained that the outreach was designed to educate the public on asthma symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and emergency response.
He noted that this year’s campaign specifically emphasizes improving access to inhaler therapy for all patients.
According to him, asthma remains one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases worldwide, affecting over 260 million people and causing more than 450,000 deaths annually most of which are preventable with proper care.
Dr. Adigwe stressed the importance of consistent inhaler use, particularly during emergencies, and cautioned patients against neglecting prescribed medications. He added that early diagnosis, proper management, and regular use of anti-inflammatory inhalers could significantly reduce complications and fatalities.
The Chief Coordinator of the CIDO Asthma Foundation commended members for sustaining the annual awareness initiative and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to providing free care for asthma patients.
He revealed that the foundation has treated over 850 patients at no cost, including the provision of free medications and inhalers. He also noted that the organization remains the only dedicated asthma treatment center in Delta State offering free services.
Calling for broader support, he urged government agencies, corporate bodies, and individuals to partner with the foundation in expanding its reach.
“This foundation is open to every asthma patient. We provide free treatment, drugs, and inhalers because we believe no one should die from asthma due to lack of access to medication,” he said.
The programme also featured expert-led health talks focusing on asthma triggers, prevention strategies, and proper inhaler use. Beneficiaries shared heartfelt testimonies, recounting how the foundation has helped them manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
The Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Frank Esenwah, who represents Oshimili North Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Henry Mordi.
In his remarks, the representative praised the foundation’s leadership for their dedication to saving lives and described the initiative as a vital intervention for asthma patients across the state. He also called for increased support from stakeholders.
Supporters of Hon. Esenwah added color to the event, displaying banners and placards in appreciation of his contributions to healthcare development in the constituency.
The celebration concluded on a vibrant note, with participants describing the programme as highly informative, impactful, and beneficial to the community.
