Two Million Malaysians Suffer from Asthma, Access to Anti-Inflammatory Inhalers Remains a Priority

“Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for all asthma patients remains an urgent need” is the theme for World Asthma Day 2026, aimed at ensuring the management of this chronic disease is at an optimal level. This theme served as the core pillar for the World Asthma Day celebration at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), organized by the Endoscopy Services Center and the Heart and Lung Center at the HCTM Main Lobby today.

The Director of HCTM, YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Azmi Baharudin, stated that 2024 statistics show asthma remains a significant public health issue, with an estimated two million sufferers nationwide.

“Out of that total, 1.4 million are adults, while another 500,000 involve children.

“Furthermore, patients suffering from allergic rhinitis or sinus issues have also been identified as having a three times higher risk of developing asthma,” he said during the opening ceremony of the program.

He explained that despite the availability of various effective treatment options, several major constraints—such as incorrect inhaler techniques and exposure to trigger factors—still contribute to unsatisfactory disease control.

The program emphasized the importance of using anti-inflammatory inhalers, specifically inhaled corticosteroids, as the foundational treatment and mainstay in controlling asthma. Among the program’s highlights were lecture sessions titled “A Simple Guide to Understanding & Controlling Asthma” and “A Paradigm Shift in Asthma Treatment.” In addition to expert insights, the event featured interactive sessions with chronic asthma patients who shared their experiences and challenges in facing the condition to inspire others.