Are pharma companies addressing sexual and reproductive health access barriers for women and girls?

Pharmaceutical companies have a key role to play in developing products to address urgent needs in LMICs, and in expanding access to existing products in their portfolios. Such essential products include contraceptives; treatments for uterine, breast, cervical and ovarian cancers; treatments for maternal sepsis; and products targeting STIs such as HIV/AIDS.

This 14-page Special Report, available for download as an extract from the 2022 Index, examines the extent to which companies are developing new products and formulations for SRHR-related diseases and health needs – particularly looking at the gaps where further R&D is needed.

Also analysed in the report are the access strategies companies are applying in LMICs to make their products accessible through approaches such as registering their products in LMICs and employing equitable pricing strategies. The report further looks at companies' capacity building efforts and engagement in inclusive business models that are designed to reach women and girls living in LMICs.

Finally, clear 'Next Steps' are laid out as priority areas for companies and other stakeholders to address. In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make Universal Health Coverage a reality, action needs to focus on ensuring women and girls, no matter where they live, have access to medicines, products and services for sexual and reproductive health.