GSK Malaysia has launched its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) campaign called #GiveBack, focusing on safe and responsible disposal of old and used inhalers.
#GiveBack is being held through a collaboration with over 50 outlets of Big Pharmacy across the Klang Valley and Seremban and will soon be extended nationwide.
During the pilot phase of the campaign, patients are encouraged to drop off their used, unwanted or expired inhalers at participating pharmacies to help reduce plastic waste and the adverse effects that the propellant has on the environment.
In a next phase of the campaign, GSK is looking into the feasibility of having the collected inhalers recycled into materials that can be repurposed, such as materials for local artists to create art installations.
"The programme has already been conducted in the UK and will help pave the way for a more environmentally sustainable treatment of respiratory diseases in Malaysia. By 2030, we hope to create an impact that results in major savings in terms of material waste and carbon emissions," says GSK Malaysia vice president and general manager, Jonathan Pan.
A population survey conducted in Malaysia revealed that nearly two-thirds of asthma patients (60.5 per cent) have limited health literacy levels associated with improper use of inhalers and poor knowledge of asthma. Asthma is found to be given less importance than other long-term diseases in Malaysia.
The use of inhalers leaves a significant impact on the environment. Pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDI) with 10g of propellant can leave a carbon footprint of 13-33kg. These propellants are greenhouse gases, which are a thousand times more powerful than carbon dioxide.
Evidence suggests that 7 out of 10 inhalers are discarded before they're completely empty and the majority of inhalers are disposed as general waste, thereby allowing these potent greenhouse gases to leak and contaminate local water supplies, and also contribute to global warming.
Asthma is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in Southeast Asia. More than 73 per cent of outpatient health clinic visits are for respiratory symptoms, among which many are asthma related.