Improving paediatric asthma care in Zambia

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Paediatric Respiratory Medicine
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Paediatric asthma prevalence was unknown in Zambia in 2008, with outdated national treatment guidelines.
• Zambia's healthcare system prioritizes infectious diseases, lacking comprehensive noncommunicable disease services, including asthma management focused on acute exacerbations rather than control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate paediatric asthma prevalence in Lusaka, Zambia.
• To assess Zambian patients' attitudes and practices regarding asthma management.
• To inform and modernize national paediatric asthma treatment guidelines and public health policy.

Main Methods:

• An international partnership was formed involving Zambian clinicians, the government, and a pharmaceutical company.
• Two studies were conducted: one estimating prevalence and another assessing patient attitudes and practices.
• Educational programs for health workers and the public were implemented, and the national treatment guideline was revised.

Main Results:

• Asthma prevalence was found to be 7% among surveyed children in Lusaka (255/3911).
• Patient interviews revealed misconceptions, such as 49% believing symptoms were not preventable and 43% viewing inhalers as addictive.
• Educational campaigns and revised guidelines led to increased inhaler access and the inclusion of steroid inhalers for asthma control.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative efforts are essential for improving paediatric asthma care in Zambia.
• Sustainability of interventions and resource allocation aligned with disease burden are crucial for long-term success.