World Asthma Day Brings Together Communities to Raise Awareness on Asthma Management Asthma is a common respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

In Malaysia, the prevalence of asthma has been consistently on the rise, with an estimated increase from 6.4% to 9.4% in children aged 6-7 years old and from 9% to 13% in children aged 13-14 years old.¹ This alarming trend has prompted Asthma Malaysia and AstraZeneca to join forces once again to organize the all-new ‘Breathe Better’ public campaign at the 1 Mont Kiara mall, in conjunction with World Asthma Day.

Breathe Better: Asthma Malaysia and AstraZeneca Join Forces to Raise Awareness on Asthma Management

The event was designed to bring awareness to the public on the significance of managing asthma effectively. It was officiated by Dr. Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Physician and co-founder of Asthma Malaysia, 

Dina Nadzir, Malaysian Singer, Radio Announcer, Actress, and Television Presenter; 

and Ashwini Saha, Country Medical Director, and Asia Area Cardiovascular Metabolism Medical Therapeutic Area Lead, AstraZeneca.

Themed ‘Take Control of Your Asthma’’, the campaign was aimed at educating attendees on the importance of utilizing controller medication for the management and treatment of asthma symptoms over the long term, rather than relying solely on reliever medication.

The World Asthma Day 2023 celebration at 1 Mont Kiara featured a variety of activities that engaged attendees of all ages. One of the highlights of the event was a coloring contest that was organized for children up to 12 years old. The contest not only added to the festivities but also served as a fun and interactive way to educate children about asthma and its management.

In addition to the coloring contest, the event also featured educational games and an exhibition that showcased key educational messages about asthma. 

These activities served as a vital platform for the public to further understand and gain first-hand information about this respiratory disease. The event also included sessions on asthma sharing by local artist Dina, along with interactive gaming booths to engage the younger participants.

According to Dr. Helmy, public awareness of the three different levels of severity is still low. “It is important to remember that most patients with asthma can have a normal life with the right inhaled therapy. For a smaller group of patients with severe asthma, there are more personalized options that will require modification based on individual needs”, Dr. Helmy further explained.

In Malaysia, the number of deaths due to asthma in 2014 was 1,700 cases. However, experts believe that the vast majority of deaths due to asthma can be avoided if early and proper treatment is given. It is crucial to increase public awareness and knowledge on how to manage asthma effectively. 

Getting diagnosed early is vital to prevent attacks that can be both disabling and draining. Early and proper control with appropriate medication will not only prevent severe illness but improve one’s quality of life, especially in the face of haze and ongoing risks of respiratory infections.

The ‘Breathe Better’ campaign serves as an opportunity for healthcare professionals and individuals with asthma to come together and share their experiences and insights to improve asthma care and management in Malaysia. By taking control of your asthma and knowing what is the best treatment option for you, you can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

In conclusion, asthma is a serious condition that requires proper management and treatment. It is important to raise awareness and educate the public on the significance of managing asthma effectively. By taking control of your asthma and knowing what is the best treatment option for you, you can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

We encourage everyone to learn more about asthma and how to identify it early so that we can work together to reduce the number of deaths due to asthma in Malaysia.

#AsthmaMalaysia #1montkiara #WorldAsthmaDay #AsthmaAwareness #health #AsthmaCareForAll @asthma.my