Doha: The Ministry of Health (MoPH) has organized a workshop on the ‘Asthma Friendly Schools’ programme, attended by 77 healthcare providers assigned to government schools by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) to enhance their knowledge and skills in supporting students with asthma.
The workshop included a comprehensive introduction to the “Asthma Friendly Schools” program, its implementation mechanisms and follow-up procedures, along with lessons learned from past experiences.
Important topics were also covered, such as the causes and symptoms of asthma, identifying and avoiding asthma triggers, the proper use of peak flow meters, and the proper administration of asthma medications.
During the workshop, participants were also trained in enabling students with asthma to use their medications and devices appropriately, in addition to training in how to effectively manage asthma attacks and implement preventive measures to prevent their occurrence within the school environment.
Director of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programs at MoPH, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani, emphasized the importance of the “Asthma-Friendly Schools” program to enable schools to provide a safe and healthy environment for students with asthma.
He emphasized the need to raise awareness among school health care providers about asthma and their role in providing the necessary support to help students avoid asthma attacks at school while promoting integrated health care.
He emphasized the importance of equipping students with essential health information so they can confidently and independently manage their asthma.
This includes understanding how to avoid triggers, use medications correctly, and respond quickly in emergency situations.
He also underlined the importance of promoting communication between schools and healthcare providers to ensure the successful implementation of the program, thereby contributing to a healthy and safe learning environment for students.
The “Asthma Friendly Schools” program is part of a partnership between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and PHCC.
This partnership aims to integrate efforts from different sectors to ensure optimal support for students with asthma, improve their quality of life and achieve better educational outcomes.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease and one of the most common non-communicable diseases in children.
Global statistics indicate that one in five children suffer from asthma, which represents a significant global problem with a significant financial burden on healthcare systems.
In developed countries, asthma is responsible for approximately 2 percent of healthcare expenditure.
In Qatar, many children suffer from asthma, making it crucial to provide a supportive school environment that allows them to manage their condition effectively.
Through awareness and health education, students can live healthy and active lives without asthma attacks affecting their daily or academic performance.