Generic Manufacturers Tackle Africa's Healthcare Challenges

The Access to Medicine Foundation launched a report during a virtual press briefing, focusing on how generic medicine manufacturers are responding to Africa's evolving healthcare needs. The report indicates that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, could become the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

Currently, only one in two individuals living with type 1 diabetes in Africa has reliable access to insulin, a critical medication that cannot be intermittently supplied. The report identifies challenges in the medicine supply chain, including fragmented procurement and regulatory differences across countries.

It emphasizes that as healthcare priorities shift from infectious diseases to NCDs, pharmaceutical systems must adapt to ensure continuous availability of essential medicines. The study analyzed eight generic medicine manufacturers, including Sothema, Universal Corporation Ltd, Cipla Ltd, Hikma Pharmaceutical, Aspen Pharmacare, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, EVA Pharma, and Viatris Inc, highlighting their role in strengthening supply chains and expanding medicine offerings in Africa.