2024 marked Asthma Canada’s 50th anniversary—a year of growth, reflection, and progress. Over the past five decades, we’ve driven advancements in asthma treatment, deepened our understanding of triggers, and expanded education on managing the condition.
This progress wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and dedication of donors like you. Thank you for supporting our mission to improve the lives of Canadians living with asthma. 💙
Here’s a glimpse of some key highlights from 2024, showcasing our work across the three pillars of research, advocacy, and education. If you’re able to contribute, your support can help us continue making a meaningful impact.
Pioneering Research and Innovation
Asthma Canada’s research fuels groundbreaking discoveries that transform how asthma is understood and treated, paving the way for innovative therapies and better outcomes for all Canadians living with the disease.
Listening to the asthma community remains central to our work. In 2024, we reinstated the Annual Asthma Survey, gathering insights from over 1,400 Canadians living with asthma. Your feedback shapes our programs and ensures we address the real challenges faced by individuals and families.
In January, we proudly published Phase 1 of our ground-breaking study, “Exploring Perceptions of Biologic Therapies,” in Advances in Therapy. This research explores how patients perceive biologic treatments for asthma. Phase 2, launched later in the year, focuses on the cost and accessibility of these therapies—vital data that will inform future treatment pathways.
Asthma Canada leadership also co-authored “Characterizing Uncontrolled Severe Asthma in Canada” and continues to contribute to various other critical research projects.
We are currently updating our research strategy to reflect the evolving needs of the asthma community, with a new plan set to launch in early 2025, guided by valuable stakeholder input.
In January, we proudly published Phase 1 of our ground-breaking study, “Exploring Perceptions of Biologic Therapies,” in Advances in Therapy. This research explores how patients perceive biologic treatments for asthma. Phase 2, launched later in the year, focuses on the cost and accessibility of these therapies—vital data that will inform future treatment pathways.
Asthma Canada leadership also co-authored “Characterizing Uncontrolled Severe Asthma in Canada” and continues to contribute to various other critical research projects.
We are currently updating our research strategy to reflect the evolving needs of the asthma community, with a new plan set to launch in early 2025, guided by valuable stakeholder input.
Advocacy That Drives Change
Asthma Canada’s advocacy amplifies the voices of millions of Canadians living with asthma, driving policy changes that improve access to life-saving treatments and create a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Your support fuels our advocacy efforts, amplifying the voices of Canadians with asthma. Throughout 2024, we engaged policymakers to advocate for accessible healthcare and affordable medications.
On World Asthma Day (May 7), we highlighted two pressing issues:
- The widespread prevalence of uncontrolled asthma, affecting over 2 million Canadians
- The need for stronger government action to improve outcomes for those with severe asthma
At the Ontario Legislature on World Asthma, we shared the deeply moving story of Rudhro Prince, an eight-year-old boy who tragically passed away from a severe asthma attack. His parents, Hassan and Rumi, created the Rudhro Prince Hope Foundation to honour his memory and raise funds to support asthma research and awareness. In September, Jeffrey Beach, President & CEO of Asthma Canada, had the privileged to be invited to attend the Rudhro Prince Memorial Walk to accept a $13,000 donation raised in Rudhro’s name. Rudhro’s passing is a powerful reminder of why our mission is so important. We want to ensure that no family has to endure what the Prince family did.
Asthma Canada also provided recommendations to Canada’s Health and Drug Technology Agency, advocating for expanded reimbursement for Paxlovid and other essential treatments for those with asthma. Additionally, we partnered with the Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance to promote electric school buses, reducing air pollution and preventing the 1,200 premature deaths caused by vehicle emissions annually.
Empowering Through Education
Asthma Canada’s education programs empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to better understand, manage, and advocate for asthma care, ensuring a healthier future for all Canadians affected by the disease. Education is the cornerstone of our mission. In 2024, we launched initiatives to help Canadians manage asthma and environmental risks more effectively.
Our Wildfire Awareness Campaign highlighted the dangers of wildfire smoke, offering practical tips to protect individuals with asthma. As part of this initiative, we hosted the webinar Living with Asthma: How Air Quality and Wildfires Affect Your Health. We also partnered with Amber Vigh, whose son, Carter, tragically passed away at age nine from an asthma attack worsened by wildfire smoke. Through Carter’s Project, Amber raises awareness and installs air quality monitors in underserved communities, with Asthma Canada providing educational materials to support her efforts.
Asthma affects over 850,000 Canadian children under 14 and remains the leading cause of hospitalization and school absenteeism. Preschool children account for 50% of asthma-related emergency room visits. To address this, we relaunched our Back-to-School with Asthma campaign, equipping families and educators with resources to manage asthma as the school year begins. When asthma is well-controlled, children can thrive academically, socially, and physically.
In 2024, we expanded the reach of our Asthma Health and Wellness Toolkit, providing more workplaces with tools to manage asthma effectively. Late in the year, we launched our Asthma & Vaccines campaign, which included the debut of our Vaccine Hub and the webinar Empower Your Lungs: The Role of Vaccines in Respiratory Health.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Together, we achieved so much in 2024—but there is more work to do. Asthma affects 4.6 million Canadians, including 465,000 with severe asthma. Each year, the condition leads to 80,000 emergency room visits and claims the lives of 250 Canadians.
Your continued support is essential. Please consider renewing your commitment by contributing to our 2025 Annual Appeal. Your generosity directly helps Canadians live healthier, symptom-free lives.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can build a brighter, asthma-free future for all Canadians.