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.
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.
Impact of Poor Air Quality
Poor air quality is a major contributor to the rise of asthma cases in African cities like Lagos, which suffers from severe air pollution due to dust and congestion. Campaigners for improved air quality emphasize the dire conditions, urging vulnerable populations to stay indoors to minimize exposure to harmful pollutants. Reports suggest that during specific seasons, such as the hamatan season, air conditions worsen, exacerbating respiratory health issues. This scenario is particularly alarming as urbanization accelerates across the continent, resulting in increased exposure to environmental factors that can trigger asthma attacks.
Socioeconomic Factors and Underreporting
Socioeconomic challenges significantly complicate asthma diagnosis and treatment in Africa, with many individuals unable to access adequate healthcare due to financial constraints. Cultural attitudes towards health can lead to underreporting of asthma symptoms, particularly among young people, as they are often encouraged to 'tough it out' when experiencing respiratory issues. This lack of proper health education and economic barriers create a scenario where asthma becomes a 'silent epidemic,' silently impacting the lives of many without being addressed. As urbanization continues to rise, concern grows that without increased focus on respiratory health and education, this issue will only worsen.
A silent asthma epidemic could be affecting millions of people in Africa. It’s estimated almost half of all the asthma sufferers in the world live on the continent, but many face barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Dorcas Wangira, the BBC’s Africa Health Correspondent in Nairobi, Kenya talks us through the growing body of research looking into how asthma is affecting children and teens in Africa.
We also hear from Doyin Ogunye, a campaigner for better air quality in Lagos, Nigeria, about the links between asthma and air pollution.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Josh Jenkins, Mora Morrison, Carolyne Kiambo and Maria Clara Montoya
Editor: Rosanna La-Falce
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