Last updated on 29/04/2020

This year’s World Asthma Day on May 5 will look different to previous years due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) but Asthma Australia is making sure the important day for asthma sufferers doesn’t go amiss.

Asthma Australia CEO Michele Goldman will host a free live webinar, Ask the Experts asthma and COVID-19, 12pm – 1pm (AEST), Tuesday 5 May 2020 with four leading respiratory and health experts. Ms Goldman is inviting the public to register for the one hour webinar via their website.

Ms Goldman said the webinar will provide an opportunity for the public to receive best practice information and advice from doctors and allied health professionals, they might not otherwise have access to.

“In this free webinar, you’ll hear from a panel of four leading experts in their field and have the opportunity to seek information to unanswered questions about your asthma, including concerns around COVID-19, mental health and the greater risks that come with winter,” Ms Goldman said.

“Our panel represents a variety of health disciplines working with different communities across Australia. They bring a best practice and patient-centred approach to our webinar and understand what it means to have asthma where you live, work and play,” Ms Goldman explained.

The panel includes:

  • Adjunct Associate Professor Pharmacy Kingsley Coulthard – School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University South Australia
  • Gemma Crawley – Respiratory Nurse and Senior Asthma Educator, Asthma Australia
  • Professor Christine Jenkins – Head of the Respiratory Group at The George Institute for Global Health; Senior Staff Specialist in Thoracic Medicine at Concord Hospital, Sydney; Clinical Professor at University of Sydney; and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at UNSW Sydney.
  • Dr Tim Senior – General Practitioner at the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in South West Sydney

Professor Christine Jenkins of The George Institute said World Asthma Day is one of the world’s most important asthma awareness and education events, and with COVID-19, understanding asthma and how to stay well is as important as ever.

“We know that people are also often more fearful for their health as we approach the cooler months when asthma triggers such as cold air, flu’s and viruses are common. So we’re inviting people to register and participate, as you may pick up a few health tips to help better manage asthma – whether it is your own asthma or that of a loved one,” Professor Jenkins said.

This is an important day as it recognises the need to reduce asthma prevalence, morbidity, and mortality while aiming to improve the lives of people with asthma.

“We want to let people know we’re still here working to make this happen,” Ms Goldman said “Asthma Australia welcomes you to join us this World Asthma Day to learn more about your health,” she added.

People can register to attend the free webinar at www.asthma.org.au/ask-the-experts