Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted global knowledge about, but lack of equitable access to, life-changing medicines, and other innovative medical products by populations in African low and middle income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international non-profit foundations and organizations are constantly striving to address inequity. In the 1970s, WHO initiated a regularly updated essential medicines list, together with the concept of national medicines policies (NMPs) to ensure access and availability, affordability, rational, and effective use of medicines which are considered essential in addressing predominant population health issues and disease burden. We studied the NMPs of Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe to highlight some of the important issues that these countries experience in the safe and effective use of medical products. Thailand is an example of how health technology assessment (HTA) can provide a country with an internationally supported, clearly defined and transparent process to broaden access to medicines and services. These medical services can add considerable value in accordance with local values and priorities. Involvement of civil society adds democratic legitimacy to such processes. Community health workers and patient advocacy groups are important in raising awareness and knowledge of safety issues and the effective use of quality medicines. They can apply pressure for increased funding to improve access to healthcare. Medicines and services that contribute to supported self-care are of benefit in any setting. Joint efforts across African countries such as with the African Medicines Agency are important in addressing some of the major health issues.
Highlights
In the 1970s, World Health Organization (WHO) initiated a regularly updated essential medicines list, together with the concept of national medicines policies (NMPs) to ensure access and availability, affordability, rational, and effective use of medicines which are considered essential in addressing predominant population health issues and disease burden
We studied the NMPs of Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe to highlight some of the important issues that these countries experience in the safe and effective use of medical products
Joint efforts across African countries such as with the African Medicines Agency are important in addressing some of the major health issues
Summary
Medicines are an important part of healthcare, and the cost of medicines is a key driver of cost of healthcare in African countries. The understanding is that for LMICs priority is given to a limited number of carefully selected medicines based on the overall needs of the population The use of these medicines is supported by agreed clinical guidelines, better supply and procurement, more rational prescribing, and lower costs [9]. Efficacy and quality of drugs; good dispensing and prescribing practices; rational use of drugs by prescribers, dispensers and patients through provision of necessary training, education and information; and to promote the concept of individual responsibility for health, preventive care and informed decision making. Good prescribing and dispensing practices; rational use of drugs by prescribers, dispensers, and patients, by providing necessary training, education, and information; and promotion of the concept of individual responsibility for health, preventive care, and informed decision-making (South Africa) are all pertinent elements
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
