2024 Access to Medicine Index Highlights Missed Opportunities in Expanding Access to Medicine

An article from the Kenyan media outlet The Times covers the release of the 9th edition of the Access to Medicine Index, which evaluates how leading global pharmaceutical companies are working to improve the availability of their products in low- and middle-income countries.

The article highlights a significant slowdown in the pharma industry's efforts to improve access to medicine in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite Novartis and GSK leading the rankings, overall performance has declined, indicating missed opportunities for broader impact. While some companies have adopted inclusive business models, progress remains limited. Fewer than half of all clinical trials take place in LMICs, despite these regions being home to nearly 80% of the global population. Additionally, progress has slowed in reaching licensing deals that are designed to make lower-cost generic drugs available in LMICs. The article aligns with the 2024 Index's call for companies to prioritise developing sustainable and scalable solutions that guarantee long-term access to essential healthcare products.