UI VC Advocates Stronger Asthma Awareness, Links Health Education to Improved Public Wellbeing

University of Ibadan has called for intensified public awareness on asthma as part of efforts to promote healthier living and improve disease management within the university community and beyond.

The Vice-Chancellor, Kayode O. Adebowale, made the call while receiving a delegation led by Dr Olumide Sogaolu, a Consultant Pulmonologist from the University College Hospital Ibadan, who visited ahead of a sensitization campaign marking World Asthma Day.

Professor Adebowale stated that individuals living with asthma can lead normal and productive lives when properly informed, diagnosed, and managed, stressing that public education remains central to reducing complications associated with the condition.

He commended the advocacy team for collaborating with the University Health Service, describing the partnership as a strategic step toward strengthening healthcare delivery within the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor also noted that recent upgrades to facilities within the University Health Service have improved its capacity to deliver effective medical care to members of the university community and surrounding areas.

He described the sensitization initiative as timely, adding that asthma management does not always require frequent hospital visits when patients are adequately educated and supported.

Professor Adebowale further encouraged the identification and registration of individuals living with asthma within the university community to ensure they receive proper guidance and continuous medical support.

He also endorsed the planned campus sensitization walk, describing it as an effective tool for raising awareness and promoting health education among students and staff.

Earlier, Dr Sogaolu explained that World Asthma Day is observed annually on the first Tuesday of May to promote global awareness and improve understanding of asthma management.

He noted that the campaign aims to empower patients with the knowledge that asthma can be effectively controlled, adding that asthma crises are largely preventable with proper care and adherence to treatment protocols.

Dr Sogaolu emphasized the importance of preventive education, stating that awareness remains the most effective strategy for reducing asthma-related complications.

He highlighted the use of anti-inflammatory inhalers and modern treatment approaches, noting that reliance on bronchodilators alone, such as Ventolin, is no longer sufficient for comprehensive asthma control.

According to him, no individual should die from asthma, as the condition is manageable when properly treated and monitored.

He also disclosed that a dedicated asthma care office operates every Monday within the University Health Service to provide accessible support for affected individuals, particularly due to the distance between the university and the University College Hospital.

The Director of the University Health Service was represented during the visit by Gbemisola Daramola.

The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen health advocacy, improve awareness, and enhance preventive healthcare services within the university system.