By Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide, remains a significant public health challenge in Ghana. Characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, asthma causes symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, often triggered by allergens, air pollution, or exercise.
Globally, asthma affects an estimated 262 million people and caused 455,000 deaths in 2019, with low- and middle-income countries like Ghana bearing a disproportionate burden due to underdiagnosis and limited access to treatment.
In 2025, Ghana is making strides in asthma care, driven by research at institutions like the University of Ghana and global health initiatives, but challenges in healthcare access and awareness persist. This article explores the state of asthma management in Ghana, recent advancements, and the path forward.
Asthma in Ghana: A Growing Concern
Asthma is one of the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ghana, affecting both children and adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that asthma is the most prevalent chronic condition among children globally, and in Ghana, prevalence is rising, particularly in urban areas like Accra and Kumasi.
A 2021 study in the Global Burden of Diseases reported a prevalence of 3,340 cases per 100,000 people, with children aged 12–14 showing rates as high as 10.8%. Urbanization, air pollution from vehicle emissions, and exposure to dust and biomass smoke are key drivers, exacerbating symptoms in densely populated regions.
In Ghana, asthma disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Black and African populations face higher risks due to genetic and environmental factors, and social determinants of health (SDoH) like low income and poor housing worsen outcomes.
For example, children in informal settlements often face exposure to indoor pollutants like mold and smoke, triggering asthma attacks. The Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology highlights that low health literacy leads to poorer asthma control, increased emergency department (ED) visits, and missed school days, particularly among low-income families in Ghana.
Advancements in Asthma Care
Ghana’s healthcare system, bolstered by institutions like the University of Ghana (UG), is advancing asthma management through research, training, and policy. UG’s College of Health Sciences, home to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, is at the forefront of studying asthma triggers in tropical environments.
In 2025, UG researchers are exploring small airway dysfunction (SAD), a hallmark of asthma characterized by inflammation in airways less than 2 mm in diameter. This research, published in Asthma Research and Practice, aims to improve diagnostics for early intervention, particularly in children with recurrent wheezing.
Globally, asthma care has entered a precision medicine era, and Ghana is beginning to adopt these innovations. Biological therapies targeting immunoglobulin E (IgE) or interleukin-5 (IL-5), such as omalizumab and benralizumab, are used for severe eosinophilic asthma. A 2025 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that anti-IL-5 therapies may impact mast cells, potentially improving outcomes for treatment-resistant asthma.
While these biologics are costly and less accessible in Ghana, UG’s partnerships with global institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are facilitating clinical trials to make such treatments more affordable.
Inhaler technology is another area of progress. WHO notes that access to inhalers remains limited in low-income countries, with only 50% of Ghana’s public health facilities stocking bronchodilators in 2021.
However, innovations like homemade spacers—made from 500ml plastic bottles—are proving effective, helping patients, especially children, use aerosol inhalers more efficiently.
A 2025 trial reported in ScienceDaily found that a new injection therapy, more effective than steroid tablets, reduces the need for further treatment in asthma attacks, offering hope for emergency care in Ghana’s hospitals.
The Role of Education and Community Engagement
Education is critical to asthma management, and Ghana’s universities are leading the charge. UG’s School of Public Health trains healthcare workers to implement the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (PEN), which includes protocols for asthma diagnosis and management in primary care.
These efforts focus on raising community awareness to reduce stigma, as myths about asthma being a “curse” persist in some rural areas. Programs like the Ghana Asthma Education Project, supported by UG, teach families about triggers (e.g., dust, pollen, smoke) and proper inhaler use, improving adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), a cornerstone of asthma control.
Medication non-adherence remains a major barrier. A 2024 study in Asthma Research and Practice found that non-adherence is the primary cause of uncontrolled asthma in Ghana, driven by complex regimens and cost. To address this, UG’s pharmacy department is piloting simplified ICS/LABA (long-acting β2-agonist) combination inhalers, which reduce the need for multiple devices and improve patient compliance.
Community health workers, trained at institutions like the University of Cape Coast, are also distributing asthma action plans—written guides that help patients manage symptoms and recognize when to seek emergency care.
The Path Forward
Ghana’s fight against asthma in 2025 hinges on collaboration between academia, government, and global partners. UG’s Pan-African Virtual College, launched in April 2025, aims to train healthcare workers across Africa in NCD management, including asthma, using digital platforms.
The government’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is expanding coverage for asthma medications, but more funding is needed to ensure universal access to ICS and biologics.web:previousUGarticle
Public health campaigns, inspired by WHO’s MPOWER tobacco control measures, are reducing exposure to smoke, a major asthma trigger. Schools in Accra and Tamale are adopting asthma-friendly policies, such as banning indoor smoking and teaching students about triggers.
For patients, adherence to ICS, regular monitoring via peak flow meters, and avoiding triggers like dust mites and pollen are critical steps to achieving control.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Asthma remains a pressing challenge in Ghana, but advancements in research, education, and policy offer hope. The University of Ghana’s leadership in precision medicine and community outreach is transforming care, while global innovations like biologics and simplified inhalers promise better outcomes. Yet, equitable access and awareness are vital to reducing asthma’s burden.
Patients, families, and policymakers must work together to ensure every Ghanaian can breathe easier. For those seeking asthma care, contact UG’s College of Health Sciences or visit local clinics for screening and support
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