An organisation committed to promoting asthma health celebrated medical strides in care this afternoon.

Open Airways recognised World Asthma Day on the steps of City Hall, where schools, dignitaries and members of the public learnt of the importance of personal care.

Liz Boden, who founded the institution almost 30 years ago, added it was “wonderful” to see the difference her organisation made.

She said: “Some people have come up to me and said ‘I can’t believe you remember my children from 20 years ago,’ but I think that’s what makes it so rewarding.

“Asthma education is actually easy — people just have to listen.”

Open Airways was founded in 1997 and spreads asthma care and awareness by working with families, schools and healthcare professionals.

Ms Boden, who suffered from severe asthma for about half her life, started the organisation an overseas course.

She used her training to help herself, then moved on to assisting others.

The condition, which is common in children but affects people of all ages, causes inflammation of the airways, which can lead to wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said more than 250 million people suffered from asthma around the world, while about 450,000 people died of the condition every year.

In Bermuda, she explained, about 8,000 people live with asthma, which includes one in six school-aged children and one in ten adults.

Ms Wilson said asthma care was “not only a professional priority for me, but also a deeply personal one”.

She explained that both of her children suffered childhood asthma, showing her first-hand the “fear, uncertainty and constant vigilance” that came with asthma management.

She added that her family “benefited greatly” from the work and assistance of Open Airways.

Ms Wilson said: “Their support helped us to navigate those early years with confidence and gave my children the foundation to manage their asthma effectively.

“I’m therefore especially pleased to stand with Open Airways, whose dedication over the past 29 years has transformed how asthma is understood and managed across our community.”

Ms Wilson said hospital admissions for asthma had dropped by more than 80 per cent thanks to the group’s education and intervention efforts.

However, she added Bermuda “cannot become complacent”, telling attendees: “Asthma is still widely misunderstood and too many people continue to struggle without proper management.”

She said: “No one in Bermuda should suffer from a condition that can be controlled.”

Attendees were treated to performances from several school choirs and bands, as well as the jump rope programme Jump 2B Fit.

Open Airways set up stalls to offer people information on asthma care, including common triggers and proper asthma pump use.

Speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Hamilton, Ed Christopher, the town crier, reminded the public World Asthma day was as much about awareness as it was empowerment.

He explained: “Asthma effects many in our community — children, adults, families — and while it can be a serious condition, it is also one that can be managed with the right knowledge, the right support and the right care.

“Individuals living with asthma can lead full, active and vibrant lives.”

Mr Christopher added: “That is why events like this matter — they bring together education and community, they create space for conversation and they remind us that no one has to navigate their health journey alone.

“Together we can continue to raise awareness, support one another and ensure that everyone in Bermuda has the opportunity to breathe a little easier.”