World Asthma Day is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) in collaboration with health care groups and asthma educators to raise awareness about asthma and improve asthma care throughout the world. To disseminate information about asthma care, a Global Initiatives for Asthma GINA Assembly was initiated, comprised of asthma care experts from many countries to conduct workshops with local doctors and national opinion leaders and to hold seminars at national and international meetings. In addition, GINA initiated an annual World Asthma Day (in 2001) which has gained increasing attention each year to raise awareness about the burden of asthma, and to initiate activities at the local/national level to educate families and health care professionals about effective methods to manage and control asthma.
Asthma is a serious global health problem. People of all ages in countries throughout the world are affected by this chronic airway disorder that, when uncontrolled, can place severe limits on daily life and is sometimes fatal. The prevalence of asthma is increasing in most countries, especially among children. Asthma is a significant burden, not only in terms of health care costs but also of lost productivity and reduced participation in family life.
World Asthma Day 2008 is being celebrated on Tuesday, May 6. This year’s event will continue the focus on the positive theme introduced for WAD 2007, “You Can Control Your Asthma.” This theme is consistent with the emphasis on asthma control set out in the latest versions of the GINA guideline documents, and will help to spread the word that asthma control is the goal of treatment and can be achieved in the vast majority of asthma patients with proper management. Your Asthma.
Event Info for Pakistan
Activities for Patients and the Public
1. Free distribution of educational materials, leaflets and booklets in English and Urdu.
2. Free Allergy Camp at Community Centre, Aabpara, Islamabad.
Activities for Health care Professionals
Seminar for GPs and Family Physicians on Allergy & Asthma.
Participating Organizations
The Allergy & Asthma Institute, Pakistan
Developing Health, Islamabad