A WHO-backed initiative, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, is helping Nepal and Sri Lanka integrate asthma and COPD care into their primary health systems to improve frontline respiratory diagnosis and treatment.
Background
Asthma and COPD place a heavy burden on individuals and families, especially where diagnosis is delayed, access to inhaled medications is inconsistent, and long-term care is weak. Strengthening primary health care is central to closing these gaps.
A WHO report from the South-East Asia Region reveals the scale of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and persistent shortfalls in primary care readiness. CRDs account for an estimated 12% of all deaths in the Region. Over 104 million people live with these conditions, leading to approximately 1.56 million deaths in 2021.
Implementation in Nepal
In Nepal, the initiative is being rolled out in Kavre District, building on lessons from the hypertension and diabetes care cascade program.
The model integrates asthma and COPD services into existing NCD and PHC structures using short training modules, job aids, locally adapted materials, supportive supervision, and community engagement.
Implementation in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, implementation is advancing in the Kandy and Kalutara districts through a primary care-focused model.
This approach emphasizes systematic screening, improved diagnosis, health worker training, patient education, and stronger follow-up via Healthy Lifestyle Centres and other PHC settings.
Next Steps
Both countries will now focus on frontline training and service delivery support. The goal is to help healthcare workers provide integrated respiratory care closer to the communities they serve.