World Asthma Day Brings Communities Together to Raise Asthma Awareness

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 launching ceremony

Asthma is one of the most prevalent respiratory disorders in Malaysia, and its prevalence has been steadily increasing. In recent years, Malaysia's estimated asthma prevalence has risen from 6.4% to 9.4% in children aged 6-7, and from 9% to 13% in children aged 13-14.¹ Asthma Malaysia and AstraZeneca have once again joined forces to organise the all-new 'Breathe Better' public campaign at 1 Mont Kiara mall in conjunction with World Asthma Day, in response to the growing number of asthma patients in Malaysia and the growing need to educate the public on asthma management.

Ashwini Saha sharing about Asthma to the audiance

Dina Nadzir sharing about her Asthma experience and how to manage it

The event was intended to raise public awareness about the need of asthma management. 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, officiated the ceremony. 

On-ground activities to understand what triggers asthma

Educational boards to educate the public on asthma triggers and management

Fun block games on-site 

The 'Take Control of Your Asthma' campaign aims to educate participants on the need of using controller medicine for the long-term management and treatment of asthma symptoms, rather than depending simply on reliever medication. 

Speaking on the Breathe Better campaign, Dr. Helmy said, “It is crucial to increase the knowledge and awareness of the public on how to manage asthma. Getting diagnosed early is vital in order 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.” “This campaign also serves as an opportunity for healthcare professionals and individuals with asthma to come together and share their experiences and insights with the aim of improving asthma care and management in Malaysia,” Dr. Helmy added.

Understanding types of ashtma

The interesting colourful educational boards to elaborate on asthma awareness

And of course, a board to bust asthma myths 

Asthma is divided into three types: mild, moderate, and severe. Patients would require varying sorts and dosages of medicine depending on the severity of their disease. In asthma control, each stage necessitates a distinct form of medication. Severe asthmatic patients require particular care since they are more likely to have numerous asthmatic attacks despite being skilled at using the inhaler appropriately.

Kids being involved with the games and activities on site.

According to Dr. Helmy, public understanding of the three levels of severity remains low. "It's important to remember that with the right inhaled therapy, most asthma patients can live a normal life." "There are more individualised options for a smaller group of patients with severe asthma that will require modification based on individual needs," Dr. Helmy added. In Malaysia, there were 1,700 asthma-related fatalities in 2014. Experts think that if asthma is treated early and properly, the great majority of fatalities may be averted.²

The public colouring contest participants

A participant colouring at the event

The lucky winners of the colouring competition

The World Asthma Day 2023 event at 1 Mont Kiara included educational activities and an exhibition highlighting critical educational themes about asthma, providing as a vital platform for the public to better comprehend and get first-hand knowledge of this respiratory condition. The event also had asthma sharing workshops by local artist Dina, interactive gaming stations, and a colouring competition to engage the younger people. Over the course of two days, the event drew around 200 people.

The World Asthma Day 2023 celebration is still ongoing and everyone is invited to attend the event. Do log on to https://qr.epmarketing.digital/wad2023 for more insightful informations.