By Lizzy Carr
Runners under Project Sixth Sense, alongside athletes and other fitness enthusiasts in Bauchi, have joined a nationwide campaign, Run for Breath, aimed at raising awareness about asthma and supporting people living with the respiratory condition.
The initiative, which took place at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, was held simultaneously across Nigeria, with more than 400 runners participating virtually.
The event also featured the distribution of inhalers to people living with asthma, as organisers sought to draw attention to the challenges faced by patients in accessing essential medications.
Speaking on the initiative, one of the organisers, Enunmejekonashu Jude, said the campaign was conceived because of what he described as inadequate awareness about asthma in Nigeria.
He said millions of Nigerians were living with asthma, with many struggling to manage the condition because of the high cost of medications and inhalers.
According to him, the economic hardship in the country has made it increasingly difficult for some patients to afford basic asthma medication.
He called on the government to consider subsidising asthma medications and inhalers to improve access for people living with the condition.
Jude said, “We decided to use this initiative to raise awareness about asthma and draw attention to the challenges faced by people living with the condition.”
He added that the organisers were also supporting people who could not afford inhalers by providing the medication to those in need.
Bauchi State served as the North-East venue for the Run for Breath initiative, which brought together athletes and runners who participated in the campaign despite many of them not being asthma patients.
Another runner Theodore ogedebe
said the participation of athletes was intended to demonstrate solidarity with people who struggle with breathing difficulties and to encourage greater public understanding of asthma.
The President-elect of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Bauchi State, Dr Kaltumi Shuaibu, said the association was partnering with the initiative to promote the health and wellbeing of women and children living with asthma.
She stressed the importance of awareness and support for people affected by the condition, particularly vulnerable groups.
Also speaking, Coach Abdulfatai expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage athletes and players to pay greater attention to their health and know their health status.
He noted that some athletes who collapse during sporting activities often report breathing difficulties, making awareness and early identification of respiratory problems particularly important.
The organisers said the campaign would continue to promote awareness about asthma, encourage access to appropriate treatment and advocate measures that would make essential asthma medications more affordable.
They urged government, health. professionals, sports organisations and members of the public to work together to ensure that people living with asthma have access to the care and medication they need.
A cross section of the athletes
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