Abstract

Childhood asthma remains one of the commonest global diseases, with significant morbidity everywhere and considerable mortality in some countries. Both diagnosis and management are often of poor quality and in some countries almost nonexistent, particularly in disadvantaged populations. Global inequalities abound and paint a tragic picture given that, for a relatively low cost, it is possible to transform the lives of children with asthma, not only improving their own health but enriching their environment and benefiting the public health of their community throughout their lifespan. What is needed is a united effort and a determination to succeed in improving outcomes that must involve politicians, healthcare workers, community leaders, officials and patients. Such strategies are feasible and have been shown to work but will differ from country to country. Indeed, they will differ within each country depending on the nature of its rural and urban communities, the specifics of its inequalities and where in that country these inequalities are greatest.

Cite as: Lenney W, Bush A, Fitzgerald DA, et al. Global inequalities in children with asthma. In: Sinha IP, Lee A, Katikireddi SV, et al., eds. Inequalities in Respiratory Health (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2023; pp. 236–248 [https://doi.org/10.1183/2312508X.10023122].