AstraZeneca In Collaboration with Asthma Malaysia Launched 'Breathe Better' Campaign On World Asthma Day 2023 At 1 Mont Kiara Mall

AstraZeneca In Collaboration with Asthma Malaysia 

Launched 'Breathe Better' Campaign On 

World Asthma Day 2023 At 1 Mont Kiara Mall 

World Asthma Day Brings Together Communities to Raise Awareness on Asthma Management

Happy World Asthma Day! Auntie Lilly and hubby spent an insightful weekend at the ‘Breathe Better’ Public Campaign at the 1 Mont Kiara Mall, in conjunction with World Asthma Day 2023 organised by Asthma Malaysia and AstraZeneca.This all-new campaign was designed to educate and bring awareness to the public on the significance of managing asthma effectively.  

The World Asthma Day 2023 Celebration at 1 Mont Kiara featured educational games, interactive gaming booths and an exhibition that showcases key educational messages about asthma, serving as a vital platform for the public to further understand and gain first-hand information about this respiratory disease. 

Sharing Session By Local Artist Dina Nadzir

In addition, the event featured asthma-sharing sessions by local artist Dina Nadzir, and even a colouring competition to engage younger participants. The event attracted a large number of attendees over the course of two days.

World Asthma Day 2023 Colouring Competition Winners

Asthma is a prevalent respiratory disease in Malaysia, and its incidence has been steadily increasing. Recent data shows that the estimated prevalence of asthma has risen from 6.4% to 9.4% in children aged 6-7 years old and from 9% to 13% in children aged 13-14 years old.¹ 

Given the growing number of asthma patients in Malaysia and the need to raise awareness about asthma management, Asthma Malaysia and AstraZeneca have once again partnered to launch the 'Breathe Better' Public Campaign at 1 Mont Kiara Mall, in conjunction with World Asthma Day.

Ashwini Saha, Country Medical Director and Asia Area Cardiovascular Metabolism Medical Therapeutic Area Lead, AstraZeneca 

Dr Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Physician and co-founder of Asthma Malaysia

Dr Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Physician and co-founder of Asthma Malaysia, Dina Nadzir, Malaysian Singer, Radio Announcer, Actress, and Television Presenter; and Ashwini Saha, Country Medical Director and Asia Area Cardiovascular Metabolism Medical Therapeutic Area Lead, AstraZeneca were present to officiate this educational event.

As part of the "Take Control of Your Asthma" theme, the campaign's objective was to educate participants on the significance of incorporating controller medication into their asthma symptom management and treatment plan for long-term benefits, instead of solely relying on reliever medication.

Speaking on the Breathe Better campaign, Dr Helmy said, “It is crucial to increase the knowledge and awareness of the public on how to manage asthma. Getting diagnosed early is vital in order to prevent attacks that can be both disabling and draining. Early and proper control with appropriate medication will not only prevent severe illness but improve one’s quality of life, especially in the face of haze and ongoing risks of respiratory infections.”

“This campaign also serves as an opportunity for healthcare professionals and individuals with asthma to come together and share their experiences and insights with the aim of improving asthma care and management in Malaysia,” Dr Helmy added.

Asthma can be classified as mild, moderate and severe. Based on the severity, patients would require different types and dosages of medication to control their condition. Each level requires different types of treatment in asthma management. Severe asthmatic patients need special attention as they are more prone to having frequent asthmatic attacks despite being skilful at administering the inhaler correctly.

According to Dr Helmy, public awareness towards the three different levels of severity is still low. “It is important to remember that most patients with asthma can have a normal life with the right inhaled therapy. For a smaller group of patients with severe asthma, there are more personalised options which will require modification based on individual needs”, Dr Helmy further explained.

In Malaysia, the number of deaths due to asthma in 2014 was 1,700 cases. However, experts believe that the vast majority of deaths due to asthma can be avoided if early and proper treatment is given.²

World Asthma Day 2023 was celebrated for two days from 6 to 7 May 2023, from 12 noon to 6 pm welcoming all to join them at 1 Mont Kiara Mall. For further information, log on to https://qr.epmarketing.digital/wad2023

About Breathe Better

The Breathe Better campaign raises awareness about effectively managing asthma to prevent complications and improve people's quality of life. Its key message, ‘Take Control of Your Asthma’ emphasises the need for every patient to take control of their asthma and know what is the best treatment option for them.

About Asthma Malaysia

Asthma Malaysia is a non-profitable organisation with the mission to serve as a credible resource on asthma, to raise awareness of the best standards of care and to empower patients in the management of their asthma.

Asthma Malaysia’s vision is to be Malaysia’s leading portal for asthma with a view to creating more informed and empowered patients. We aim to ensure that asthma care in Malaysia is equal to the best in the world with a view to reducing the suffering and deaths associated with it.

They intend to evolve into an organisation that will proactively engage in research and promotional campaigns to increase awareness of asthma in Malaysia.