New report exposes the real barrier to cheaper medicines in Africa

The article focuses on the issue of the affordability of medicines in Africa, pointing out that generic medicine manufacturers are uniquely poised to address the issue across the continent by offering lower-cost alternatives to branded drugs.

The article draws out key challenges named in the report that drug-makers face in creating affordable, stable access to medicine in Africa. It notes that fragmented markets, procurement systems, unpredictable demand and differing regulatory requirements create barriers for the industry to scale supply and create more stable access to medicine.

Addressing these challenges requires cross-sector collaboration from governments, regulators, procurement agencies, finance institutions and global health organisations.

“Companies cannot succeed in isolation. Coordinated action between stakeholders will be essential to ensuring affordable, lifesaving medicines can reach patients consistently, sustainably and at scale,” the article quotes Claudia Martínez, Director of Research at the Access to Medicine Foundation.