Global Asthma Report 2025: Patient Stories
The Global Asthma Network is delighted to introduce the Global Asthma Report 2025: Patient Stories – an exciting special edition format for the GAR that gives people with asthma from around the world a platform to tell their stories. This is the fifth in our series of GARs published in 2011, 2014, 2018 and 2022
GAR: Patient Stories is published as a ‘living document’ on World Asthma Day 2025, timed to be available for the United Nations (UN) High Level Meeting (HLM) on NCDs. At the time of writing, it has 59 stories from 33 countries with representation from all World Health Organization (WHO) regions
This report is a vital reminder of the profound impact asthma has on daily life. The stories presented illuminate the lived realities of asthma and underscore the urgent need for global equity in asthma care—access to timely diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, education, and long-term support. They describe challenges around diagnosis and difficulty in accessing affordable treatment, and also how effective treatment can transform the lives of people living with asthma. Above all, they remind us that even in the darkest moments of breathlessness, families and individuals continue to hold on to a powerful thread of hope—believing in a better tomorrow and a life less burdened by asthma.
Asthma is one of the main noncommunicable diseases – a group of conditions that are the leading cause of disability and death worldwide. It is estimated that over a quarter of a billion people live with asthma –a huge number. When we focus on statistics, we may lose sight of the reality of each person living day-to-day with asthma. These stories show Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Health, civil society and donors the real meaning of their commitments - and the profound impact that acting upon those commitments can have. By understanding and learning from the voices portrayed in these stories, we can and must work together to find solutions for a better future.
