Toward a Regional Research Agenda on Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Access to Medicines in Sub-Saharan Africa
Africa continues to deal with an increasing disease burden, neglect of African disease problems (such as Ebola), and continued over-reliance on imported essential medicines. Policymakers are looking for solutions. This project will define a regional research agenda that aims to address the issues.
Local solutions to local problems
African policymakers are pushing for local pharmaceutical manufacturing as a way to attain self-sufficiency in drug supplies, improve access to medicine, and create job opportunities. Their call to action is reflected in the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa. It is also found at the sub-regional levels, including the Southern Africa Development Community Pharmaceutical Business Plan (2007-2013) and the East African Community Regional Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan (2012-2016).
Competition, fragmentation, skills
This political support is a key ingredient for the success of local pharmaceutical manufacturing; however, there are doubts about the initiative's viability. Africa has small and fragmented markets. Economies of scale would be difficult to realize, and the continent has minimal technical and infrastructure capacities. There are also doubts about a local industry's ability to compete with large international manufacturers in a free, open, and liberalized market.
These concerns raise fundamental questions regarding local pharmaceutical manufacturing: Can it ensure access to quality, affordable medicines and still remain competitive in an open market? Under what conditions? There is a lack of evidence on current research gaps and ongoing initiatives and programs in sub-Saharan Africa.
Research and mapping to inform discussions
Researchers will review all ongoing research, policies, programs, and initiatives by different funding agencies. They will identify funders and research organizations that support programs on health innovation, access to medicines, and local pharmaceutical production, then map their priorities by diseases, geographical localities, and target groups.
The project will also facilitate discussions among key stakeholders, including pharmaceutical manufacturer associations, research organizations, and funding agencies. The goal will be to negotiate a regional research agenda on pharmaceutical manufacturing and access to medicines in sub-Saharan Africa.
Project ID
107975
Project Status
Completed
End Date
Duration
12 months
IDRC Officer
Sue GODT
Total Funding
CA$ 55,000.00
Location
South of Sahara
Institution Country
Kenya
Project Leader
Maurice Ochieng Bolo
Institution
The Scinnovent Centre Limited
Institution Website
Outputs
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Incentivising african pharmaceutical manufacturing : policies for sustaining the take-off Brief
This brief draws on country studies from around the world to illustrate how the pharmaceutical industry can be further developed in African countries. Building the knowledge base and strengthening linkages between knowledge producers and users is critical in shaping the direction of development. The role of public policy in supporting the continued growth of the African pharmaceutical manufacturing sector is emphasized. Thirty-seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa are engaged in pharmaceutical manufacturing supplying about 30% of the local market. South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana have substantial pharmaceutical manufacturing plants. Author(s): Bolo, Maurice Language: English |
Towards a regional research agenda on pharmaceutical manufacturing and access to medicines in Sub-Saharan Africa : final technical report Report
This final technical report provides a review of the activities, achievements, and challenges of the project; a reflection on the process and lessons learned; and a summary of key project outputs, reports and publications. The objective was to define a regional research agenda geared towards understanding whether, and under what conditions and contexts local pharmaceutical production in sub-Saharan Africa can lead to affordable access and quality medicines, while remaining competitive against cheap imports from international producers. Author(s): Bolo, Maurice Language: English |
Pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa : a research agenda towards competitiveness and social inclusion Study
The report reviews the process of arriving at a research agenda, where inclusion comprises three dimensions: 1) Affordability, including procurement and pricing; 2) Access, related to distribution and supply chains; and 3) Quality, as it relates to standards, counterfeits and pharmaco-vigilance. Innovation, institutions and policies are cross-cutting themes that apply to factors on both the ‘competitiveness’ and ‘inclusion’ arms of the conceptual framework. Author(s): Bolo, Maurice, Byaruhanga, Janet, Vugigi, Sarah, Wanyanga, Wilberforce, Ronoh, Wesley, Ndomondo-sigonda, Margareth Language: English |
Pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa : knowledge gaps and emerging research issues Brief
This brief is an abridged version of the research report “Pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa: Towards a Research Agenda on Competitiveness and Social Inclusion.” It highlights key research issues as identified through a series of interviews with stakeholders in policy domains, private sector, civil society, industry associations, development partners and research organizations. Inclusion comprises dimensions of: 1) Affordability, including procurement and pricing; 2) Access, related to distribution and supply chains; and 3) Quality, as it relates to standards, counterfeits and pharmaco-vigilance. Innovation, institutions and policies are cross-cutting themes that apply to factors on both the ‘competitiveness’ and ‘inclusion’ arms of the conceptual framework. Author(s): Bolo, Maurice, Byaruhanga, Janet, Vugigi, Sarah, Wanyanga, Wilberforce, Ronoh, Wesley, Ndomondo-sigonda, Margareth Language: English |