Understanding the Epidemiology of Asthma in Africa: Current Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disorder, poses a significant and growing public health burden in Africa, driven by diverse environmental exposures, limited healthcare access, and demographic shifts such as urbanization. This seminar examines the epidemiological profile of asthma across the continent, detailing its prevalence, geographic disparities, and contributing factors, including environmental allergens, air pollutants, infectious diseases, and lifestyle transitions. Additionally, it explores variations in clinical presentations and risk factors specific to African populations. Discussions highlight the disparities in asthma care, such as restricted access to healthcare services, challenges in adapting international treatment guidelines to African contexts, and the potential of community-driven health initiatives to enhance patient outcomes. Notable gaps in research, particularly the scarcity of longitudinal studies and data on underrepresented populations, are identified as barriers to effective intervention development. To address these challenges, the seminar advocates for prioritizing asthma research focused on African-specific contexts and implementing tailored public health strategies. It concludes with a call to stakeholders in the health sector to integrate asthma management into broader policy frameworks, emphasizing sustainable, evidence-based solutions to mitigate its escalating impact on the continent.