What in the World cover image

What in the World

How asthma is affecting Africa

Jan 6, 2025
Asthma poses a silent epidemic across Africa, with nearly half of the world's sufferers found on the continent. Many individuals, especially children, go undiagnosed due to socio-economic barriers and cultural stigmas. Experts discuss the alarming rise in asthma linked to urbanization and worsening air quality in cities like Lagos. They highlight the urgent need for better air quality and awareness of asthma's health impacts. As cities grow and pollution increases, efforts are underway to tackle this pressing health challenge.
10:32

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Quick takeaways

  • The silent asthma epidemic in Africa is exacerbated by barriers to diagnosis, particularly among youth who lack proper healthcare access.
  • Severe air pollution in urban areas like Lagos significantly heightens asthma symptoms, highlighting the urgent need for improved air quality initiatives.

Deep dives

High Prevalence of Asthma in Africa

Asthma is a significant health concern in Africa, with estimates suggesting nearly half of the world's asthma sufferers reside on the continent. A study highlighted in the podcast revealed alarming statistics, indicating that many teenagers in several African countries experience asthma symptoms yet remain undiagnosed. Particularly troubling is that among 27,000 pupils observed, over 3,000 exhibited asthma symptoms, but only a small fraction received proper diagnoses. This gap in diagnosis points to a larger issue within healthcare systems on the continent, where awareness and resources for managing asthma are insufficient.

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