Pharmaceuticals in Africa

Pharmaceuticals are an essential input for health systems and account for about 30% of total health expenditure in developing countries. Many populations in Africa, particularly the poor, do not have access to an adequate, affordable and good quality supply of life saving medicines and supplies. Underlying many of these issues are inefficient supply chain mechanisms and accountability and management structures, inequitable drug pricing and problems with rational drug use. Moreover, most African countries have limited capacity to supervise the pharmaceutical market or control the borders with neighboring countries. Counterfeit and substandard drugs have been a serious problem in Africa as in many other parts of the world, leading to unnecessary deaths and economic damage. The focus on strengthening the pharmaceutical sector in Sub-Saharan Africa is a key objective of HHA, and this page provides a wide range of information on Pharmaceuticals (country snapshots, assistance provided, news) as well as an opportunity to interact on all aspects related to pharmaceuticals (Blog and Community Of Practice).