Harmonization of standards: Critical for Africa’s health sector

Africa's healthcare sector is facing a critical challenge in ensuring the quality and integrity of medicines distributed across the region. The pharmaceutical value-chain is currently inundated with sub-standard drugs that could have detrimental effects on public health outcomes if not addressed promptly. CNBC Africa's Aby Agina recently interviewed Lenias Hwenda, Founder & CEO of Medicines For Africa, South Africa, to shed light on the pressing issues at hand. Hwenda highlighted the alarming state of the pharmaceutical industry in Africa, emphasizing the need for quality-assured medicines to become the norm rather than the exception. He pointed out that the lack of proper regulation and standards has led to a proliferation of counterfeit and sub-standard medications in the market. These products not only fail to treat illnesses effectively but also pose serious health risks to consumers, including potential fatalities. Hwenda cited a tragic incident in The Gambia where 70 children lost their lives after consuming a cough syrup tainted with toxic chemicals. This serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of sub-standard medicines. The pharmaceutical industry in Africa is estimated to be valued between $65 to $200 billion, making it a significant concern that requires urgent attention. One of the key challenges identified by Hwenda is the fragmented nature of current initiatives aimed at tackling the issue. Without proper coordination and a unified approach, it is difficult to address the cross-border nature of the problem. Efforts to establish a pan-African standard for importing and distributing medicines are underway, with Medicines For Africa spearheading the initiative. This unified standard aims to ensure that medical products move seamlessly across borders while adhering to stringent quality controls. By improving the regulation and oversight of pharmaceutical products, the healthcare industry stands to benefit significantly. The implementation of harmonized standards not only safeguards public health but also presents lucrative opportunities for investors in the legitimate pharmaceutical sector. It will help curb the proliferation of sub-standard drugs and enable access to quality-assured medications for patients in need. Moving forward, collaboration with national medicines regulatory authorities and regional initiatives such as the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization Initiative will be crucial in achieving a sustainable and effective healthcare system in Africa.