Africa's supply of essential medicines is heavily dependent on foreign manufacturers delivering products through complex and sometimes fragile global supply chains. Approximately 70 – 90 percent of medicines are imported from outside the region. In addition, many African nations lack the purchasing power of larger countries or economies and, as a result, governments are often unable to negotiate the best prices for essential medicines.
Locally produced medicines that meet international standards, in combination with stronger collective bargaining power, could help countries across Africa lower drug costs, spur local innovation, improve public health, and enable communities to prepare for the next pandemic.
