A health advocacy group, Project Sixth Sense, has sensitised Bauchi communities to enhance asthma prevention and case management.
The virtual exercise, themed “Run for Breath,” attracted over 400 athletes and sports enthusiasts across Nigeria.
It aimed at promoting support for persons living with asthma and respiratory conditions.
Mr Enunmejekonashu Jude, an official of the group, said this during the virtual campaign on Monday in Bauchi.
Jude said that official data showed that millions of Nigerians were living with asthma, adding that the campaign aimed to increase awareness of the condition.
He lamented that asthmatic patients were facing health challenges due to the high cost of medication and inhalers.
Jude attributed the situation to the prevailing economic condition, which made it difficult for some patients to afford essential asthma medication.
“We decided to use this initiative to raise awareness about asthma and draw attention to the challenges being faced by people living with the condition.
“The event also featured the distribution of inhalers to people living with asthma,” he said.
Jude called for proactive measures to subsidise medications and inhalers to enhance access to quality treatment.
A participant, Mr Theodore Ogedebe, said the participation of athletes was intended to demonstrate solidarity with people living with asthma.
He said that the campaign would also encourage greater public understanding of the condition.
Dr Kaltume Shu’aibu, President, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Bauchi State chapter, said that the association was partnering with the group to promote the health and wellbeing of women and children living with asthma.
Shu’aibu underscored the importance of awareness and support for people living with the condition, particularly vulnerable groups.
Also speaking, Abdulfatai Salami, a football coach, expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage athletes and players to pay greater attention to their health.
He urged the athletes to know their health status and seek appropriate medical attention when necessary.
Salami said that some athletes who collapsed during sporting activities had reported breathing difficulties.
He said that awareness and early detection of respiratory problems were important for athletes’ wellbeing.
