Bridging the medicine accessibility gap in Africa

Access to essential medicines remains a critical challenge for many people living in low and middle-income countries, despite efforts to strengthen generic manufacturing. CNBC Africa recently spoke with Jayasree Lyer, the CEO of Access to Medicine Foundation, to delve into the ongoing issues surrounding medicine accessibility in Africa. Generic and brand name medicines may contain identical active pharmaceutical ingredients, with only minor differences in appearance and packaging. Brand name drugs, typically brought to market first by the manufacturer that developed them, are often more expensive than their generic counterparts. However, even with lower prices, generic medicines can still be unaffordable for many individuals in these regions as out-of-pocket payments for healthcare remain common. In addition to cost barriers, the availability of quality-assured essential medicines is limited in low and middle-income countries. Companies may be hesitant to register their drugs in regions where the originator drug is unavailable, leading to quality issues from manufacturers taking shortcuts. As a result, vulnerable populations in these countries face challenges in accessing necessary medications. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach involving the industry, policymakers, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies. Companies can enhance product registration in low and middle-income countries, focus on affordability strategies, participate in public sector programs, and engage with private sectors to ensure medicine accessibility. It is crucial to maintain consistent product availability and invest in adapting products for different populations and environmental conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the gaps in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries in Africa, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to improve access to essential medicines. The generic medicine sector plays a vital role in expanding access to healthcare, yet its significance often goes unrecognized. The World Health Organization has identified key essential medicines that should be part of basic healthcare systems, emphasizing the importance of increasing awareness and policy engagement in closing access gaps. The recent September report by the Access to Medicine Foundation assessed five multinational companies and identified access gaps in their strategies for reaching underserved populations. While efforts have been made to improve local manufacturing capacity and technology transfer in low and middle-income countries, more work is needed to ensure consistent availability of essential medicines. Collaboration among policymakers, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies is essential to enhance access to generic and biosimilar medicines. The report's findings offer valuable insights for African governments and policymakers seeking to establish public-private collaborations and adopt best practices to expand access. By leveraging the findings, physicians and clinicians can enhance their understanding of generic medicines' access, strategies, and forthcoming products, ultimately improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in Africa.