Africa’s Diabetes Crisis: Can Generics Companies Step Up?

The article highlights Africa’s changing disease burden, noting that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are set to become the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

It quotes Claudia Martínez, the Director of Research at the Foundation: “Historically, NCDs haven’t received the same attention from donors or governments as infectious diseases.

“We are seeing some progress; several countries are upgrading their insurance and reimbursement systems, and financing NCDs was a major discussion at last year’s World Health Assembly.”

She also notes that at present, one of the main barriers for pharmaceutical companies that aim to expand access to their products into underserved regions of the continent is the “cost and time it takes to file for registration separately, country by country.”

The article also highlights potential solutions to such challenges outlined from the report. It notes that partnerships can help expand manufacturing in Africa to ultimately create more stable access to medicine for the long-term.