Asthma affects over 260 million people worldwide and causes over 450,000 deaths annually, most of which are preventable with proper treatment. The greatest barrier remains the availability and cost of treatment, particularly in lower-income countries, but this problem also exists in developed countries.

The message of World Asthma Day 2026 is a call to healthcare decision-makers, payers, and drug manufacturers to ensure universal access to effective inhaled therapies, which are crucial for disease control and saving lives.