BREAKING BARRIERS: THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD ASTHMA IN NIGERIA’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Abstract

Asthma is a major global public health issue, particularly among children, with Nigeria reporting a childhood asthma prevalence of 5.1% to 14.3%. This chronic inflammatory airway disease disrupts daily activities and significantly lowers quality of life. Despite advancements in asthma management, effective control in Nigerian children remains constrained by various social and systemic factors. This study explores key social determinants such as poor living conditions, poverty, environmental pollution, limited healthcare access, and psychosocial stress, all of which exacerbate asthma incidence and severity. Additionally, systemic barriers—including underdiagnosis, inadequate public awareness, poor health-seeking behaviors, and limited availability of medications—further hinder management efforts. The findings underscore the urgent need for a holistic, community-based approach that integrates public education, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and targeted social interventions. Such strategies are essential for reducing asthma-related morbidity and improving long-term health outcomes among Nigerian children