While an estimated 8,000 people are affected by asthma in Bermuda, residents are becoming more aware of the respiratory condition and available treatment options, the health minister said.

Kim Wilson added that one in seven schoolchildren and one in ten adults in Bermuda were affected by the disease.

It came at an event at City Hall steps today, which marked the global celebration of World Asthma Day.

The event, which was co-ordinated by Open Airways, was geared at shining a light on the respiratory condition.

Ms Wilson said: “Asthma is a chronic lung disease, which touches lives across every age group, gender, race and socio-economic background.”

She said the World Health Organisation reported that more than 260 million people worldwide live with asthma and, tragically, more than 450,000 people die from the condition annually.

She said the disease was common and could be distressing, disabling, misunderstood and life-threatening.

She added: “However, it is also treatable, understanding asthma and learning how to manage and control it is pivotal to living a better life.”

Since the founding of Open Airways 28 years ago, asthma-related hospital visits have decreased by 81 per cent, Ms Wilson said.

She said before the Covid-19 pandemic, asthma was the number-one reason for emergency visits and an average of four patients sought help daily.

She said Open Airways had empowered those suffering from asthma through education and outreach in which the charity encouraged people “to learn more and breathe better”.

The Ministry of Health is working on an initiative to map out and better understand the steps taken by patients to seek care on the island.

Ms Wilson said: “Your input will be invaluable as we work together to enhance asthma care on the island.”

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, thanked Open Airways for its “tireless” efforts to raise awareness and support for treatment of the chronic condition.

Lindsay Bishop, director of asthma education at Open Airways, said the charity provided education awareness to stakeholders, such as doctors and schools, on the latest guidelines for asthma.

The organisation also assists the uninsured with access to medication and provides equipment such as oxygen machines to those who cannot afford them.

She added: “Advocacy is paramount and we are working with the universal healthcare team to ensure our patients have access to everything that they need.”

The charity has added its voice to cannabis and vaping legislation as it continues to advocate for everyone who experience breathing difficulties.

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