RESPIRATORY DISEASES REPRESENT A GLOBAL BURDEN ESPECIALLY IN AFRICA

KENYA, August 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- In 2021, lung diseases were among the 3 leading causes of mortality causing over 18 million deaths globally and having devastating consequences for patients and families. But the situation in Africa seems especially alarming; 1 in 10 children in Africa have asthma symptoms, making it the most common non-communicable disease (NCD) in children and adolescents in Africa. In Cameroon, pollution and disease stigma are still significant barriers to achieving asthma control. In Nigeria (2), where the prevalence is high, the cost of asthma medicines not being subsidized is still a barrier to therapy. On the contrary, in South Africa (2), despite the availability of asthma medications lack of efficient diagnosis is a barrier to care, leading this country to have the highest prevalence of childhood asthma in the African continent. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, and an important cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Smoking is an important risk factor for COPD in SSA, and this exposure needs to be reduced.

GAAPP – GLOBAL ALLERGY AND AIRWAYS PATIENT PLATFORM – AND THEIR 22 LOCAL MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS CREATED “AMEA”, AN AFRICAN AND MIDDLE EAST REGION ALLIANCE

GAAPP - Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform - is a global umbrella organization linking member organizations worldwide with a common interest: supporting and improving the quality of life for people around the globe who suffer from allergies, airways and atopic diseases. A coalition of 22 local member organizations from 10 African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Burundi, and Zambia have united to create AMEA, a regional alliance dedicated to addressing lung health challenges across Africa and the Middle East. Together, they represent a broad spectrum of patient communities, spanning respiratory, allergic, skin, and non-communicable disease advocacy.

Together, the AMEA Alliance aims to:

Raise Awareness: Educate the public about respiratory and allergic conditions, their symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis.
Encourage Medical Consultation: Empower individuals experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or similar issues to seek medical advice.
Advocate for Better Care and Treatment: Call for improved access to medical care, and research funding to improve the quality of life of patients living with allergic and respiratory conditions in the region.
Support: Push for increased investment in research, advocacy, and medical education, especially in African & Middle East regions where respiratory diseases remain largely overlooked.

AMEA, GAAPP AFRICAN & MIDDLE EAST ALLIANCE, ANNOUNCES ITS Second REGIONAL MEETING on the 8th and 9th Of AUGUST 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform (GAAPP), together with its affiliate, the African & Middle East Alliance (AMEA), is proud to announce the Second Regional Meeting on August 8th and 9th, 2026, in Nairoby, Kenya. This milestone marks a significant step in creating opportunity for members across the region to converge, collaborate, share best practices, discuss challenges and develop strategies for improving allergy and airways diseases care in Africa & the Middle East Region.

"Allergy and respiratory diseases remain under-recognized across Africa and the Middle East, and through this Nairobi meeting, we call on regional leaders to strengthen awareness, diagnosis, and patient care." said Perpetual Obiageri Nwangoro, African & Middle East Regional Alliance Administrator at GAAPP.

For more information and how to get involved

LOCAL CONTACT:
Obiageri Perpetual Nwangoro
(African and Middle East alliance Administrator for GAAPP): onwangoro@gaapp.org

About GAAPP

The Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform (GAAPP) is an international network of more than 200 patient organizations working to improve the lives of people affected by allergy and immunology conditions. GAAPP advocates globally for awareness, equitable access to care, and patient-centered research. For more information, visit [http://www.gaapp.org].

PRESS CONTACT:
Haris Badzic, Event Manager and Media Relations at GAAPP, media@gaapp.org / www.gaapp.org

Haris Badžić
GAAPP
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