Foundation Calls for Action Against Environmental Pollution Driving Childhood Asthma

The Amaka Chiwuike-Uba Foundation (ACUF), a non-governmental organisation, has called for urgent measures to curb environmental pollution contributing to rising cases of asthma among children in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Professor Chiwuike Uba, made the call on Tuesday in Enugu while speaking to journalists ahead of World Asthma Day, marked annually on the first Tuesday of May. This year’s theme is “Access to Anti-inflammatory Inhalers for Everyone With Asthma – Still an Urgent Need.”

Professor Uba expressed concern that worsening air quality in several Nigerian cities is exacerbating respiratory conditions among children, who he described as particularly vulnerable due to weaker immune systems and developing respiratory tracts.

He attributed the situation to increasing environmental pollution, including vehicle emissions, generator fumes, industrial waste, open burning of refuse, dust, and indoor pollution from fuel sources such as kerosene and generators. 

He noted that these factors significantly increase the risk and severity of asthma attacks in children, making disease management more difficult, especially where access to preventive medication remains limited.