AstraZeneca Africa builds nebulisation stations in Ashanti, Bono regions
Global pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca has officially opened and handed over 34 "PUMUA" (meaning breath) nebulisation stations in selected faith-based and quasi-government health facilities in the Ashanti and Bono regions.
Prior to this, the company had presented similar facilities to the five government teaching hospitals of the Korle Bu, Komfo Anokye, Cape Coast, Tamale and Ho Teaching Hospitals.
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The stocking of the paediatric wards with equipment to manage asthma patients was part of AstraZeneca’s Africa PUMUA Initiative.
On Monday in the Ashanti Region, the company through its representatives in Ghana handed over similar equipment to the Asokwa Children’s Hospital, the SDA Hospital - Kwadaso, the St Michael’s Hospital, Jachie Pramso, St Peter’s Hospital, Jacobu, the Presbyterian Hospital, Agogo, St Patrick’s Hospital, Offinso, Methodist Hospital, Ankaase, Cocoa Clinic and the KNUST Hospital in Kumasi.
AstraZeneca also gave similar facilities to selected hospitals in the Bono regions simultaneously.
They were the St Theresa’s Hospital, Nkoranza, Holy Family Hospital, Techiman Methodist Hospital, Wenchi, SDA Hospital, Sunyani, Holy Family Hospital, Berekum and the Presbyterian Hospital, Dormaa Ahenkro.
The Hospital Matron, KNUST, Diana Appiah, cutting the tape to officially open the KNUST facility. She is flanked by Mr Atiemo (eight) and the the Director of KNUST Health Services, Dr. Osei Kwaku Wusu-Ansah (2nd right).
Country Lead
The Country Lead of AstraZeneca Ghana, Emmanuel Mawuli Atiemo, told the Daily Graphic after handing over a "station" to the KNUST and KATH hospitals in Kumasi on Monday that the AstraZeneca initiative, was to highlight its commitment to improving the health outcomes of patients in Africa.
He said it was to provide support of infrastructure, increasing awareness of the symptoms and risks of asthma, and building the capacity of all role players across the patient journey.
Mr Atiemo said the provision of the equipment was to break the barriers currently preventing access to care for patients with asthma.
Background
In Africa, it is estimated that over 40 million people are living with asthma.
AstraZeneca’s Africa PUMUA Initiative is a collaboration with the Ghana Health Services (GHS), Ghana Thoracic Society (GTS), Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, local health providers and respiratory health experts to redefine asthma care in Ghana.
Indeed, the World Health Organisation (WHO) cautions that over 80 per cent of asthma-related deaths occur in low-and lowermiddle income countries especially those in Sub Sahara Africa.
Risk
Mr Atiemo said the WHO figure highlights the importance and urgency of ensuring that those at risk of or who are living with asthma have timely access to healthcare services, such as appropriate diagnosis, a direct link to care and reliable access to quality treatments to achieve control.
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in several areas including; oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory and immunology.