Medical experts at the University College Hospital (UCH) and the University of Ibadan (UI) have intensified calls for improved asthma care and access to life-saving medications, declaring that no individual should die from a condition that is both preventable and manageable.
The call formed the centrepiece of activities marking the World Asthma Day 2026, as health professionals took their awareness campaign beyond lecture halls and clinics directly into students’ residential hostels across the university.
The programme, organised by the Pulmonology Unit of UCH in collaboration with the University Health Services, ‘Jaja’ Clinic, began with a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor before moving into an extensive campus-wide outreach that included free screenings, education sessions, and one-on-one engagements with students.
Speaking during the awareness session, a Chest Physician at UCH, Dr. Olumide Sogaolu, stressed that asthma should no longer be viewed through the lens of myths or misinformation, but as a medical condition that can be effectively managed with the right knowledge and treatment.
“World Asthma Day is observed every first Tuesday of May to raise awareness and improve understanding of asthma globally,” he said.
“The message is simple and clear, no one should die from asthma. No one should lose school time, productivity, or be unable to participate in normal activities because of asthma. With proper care, people living with asthma can live completely normal lives.”
Dr. Sogaolu warned against the continued reliance on outdated treatment methods, particularly the use of bronchodilators such as inhalers that contain Salbutamol alone, noting that such approaches only provide temporary relief without addressing the root cause of the disease.
“For over a decade, global best practice has changed. Asthma should not be treated with bronchodilators alone. That approach only relieves symptoms temporarily without addressing the underlying inflammation in the airways,” he explained.
“What is required is a combination inhaler, a two-in-one treatment that contains both a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory component.”
He further cautioned that overuse of salbutamol could lead to complications, including abnormal heart rhythms, especially among older patients, while also discouraging the use of oral medications such as tablets that contain Theophylline and Ephedrine due to their systemic side effects.
Providing insight into ongoing interventions within the university, the physician disclosed that an asthma clinic had been established on campus since 2010 to improve access to care for students.
“We established an asthma clinic at the University of Ibadan so that students do not have to travel far for care. The clinic runs twice a month, and our goal is simple: no student should suffer an asthma attack without access to proper care,” he said.
He added that the decision to focus on the university community was deliberate, given the age demographic and their influence.
“We chose the University of Ibadan because it is a large and diverse community of young people. Asthma often begins early in life, and students are well connected. When they are informed, they can spread accurate information to families and communities,” he noted.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale commended the collaboration between UCH and the university, describing the outreach as both timely and necessary.
“We appreciate this partnership, especially through the College of Medicine. The University Health Service has grown significantly and now serves not only the campus but surrounding communities,” he said.
“This advocacy is very important because many people still believe that having inhaler that contains Salbutamol alone is sufficient. Today, we are learning that it only provides partial relief. There is a need for better education and improved treatment approaches.”
Representing the Director of Health Services, Dr. Aderonke Ajav, the Principal Medical Officer at the University Health Service, Dr. Gbemisola Daramola, highlighted the importance of early detection and sustained awareness.
“As part of today’s programme, we are taking this message directly to students in their hostels. We are offering free screening, identifying those who may have symptoms, and guiding them on proper care and follow-up,” she said.
The outreach team, which included paediatric and respiratory specialists, as well as public health nurses, moved across several residential halls, engaging students in interactive sessions and demonstrations on proper inhaler use.
Health officials at the event also called on government and relevant stakeholders to prioritise the affordability and accessibility of anti-inflammatory inhalers, in line with this year’s theme, “Inhalers Save Lives: Access Should Not Wait.”
