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African Nations Push for Local Medicine Production to Combat Health Inequities
LUSAKA,Zambia – A growing coalition of African nations is prioritizing the development of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities,aiming to reduce reliance on imports and bolster health sovereignty. The initiative, underscored by Zambia’s 2022-26 National Health strategic Plan, seeks to address critical gaps in access to essential medicines and strengthen healthcare systems across the continent. This push comes amid persistent challenges in maternal and child mortality, exacerbated by supply chain vulnerabilities and workforce shortages.
Despite incremental progress, maternal mortality rates remain alarmingly high, with an estimated 223 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births globally in 2023 (WHO, 2025). Child mortality also continues to be a critically important concern, though levels have decreased, with approximately 4.9 million deaths globally in 2023 (UNICEF, 2025). A key barrier to improving these outcomes is the limited availability of affordable, quality-assured medicines, often due to dependence on external suppliers. the Lancet’s 2025 report on women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health highlights the urgent need for sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and local production capacity (Amouzou et al., 2025).
The drive for pharmaceutical independence is multifaceted, encompassing financing mechanisms, regulatory harmonization, and workforce development. experts emphasize the need for increased investment in local manufacturing, coupled with stringent quality control measures to meet international standards. Dong and Mirza (2016) have previously advocated for supporting pharmaceutical production in Africa, recognizing its potential to improve health outcomes and stimulate economic growth. A recent assessment by the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition identified gaps in the manufacturing landscape for maternal health supplies in sub-Saharan Africa, pinpointing areas for targeted investment (2024).
Financing remains a major hurdle. While international aid and private sector investment are crucial, African governments are exploring innovative financing models, including pooled procurement and regional manufacturing hubs. Regulatory harmonization across the continent is also essential to facilitate trade and ensure the quality of locally produced medicines. The World Health association (WHO) stresses the importance of a skilled health workforce, but the WHO African region faces significant challenges in this area (2021).Factors affecting health worker attendance, such as organizational constraints, further complicate the situation (Mukasa et al., 2019).
The emigration of healthcare professionals, including physicians, also poses a threat to sustainability, with a notable outflow to countries like the United States between 2005 and 2015 (Duvivier et al., 2017). Strengthening health systems and creating supportive work environments are vital to retaining skilled personnel. Ultimately, the success of this initiative hinges on a collaborative effort between African governments, international partners, and the private sector to prioritize health sovereignty, equity, and access to essential medicines for all.
References
- WHO. Trends in maternal mortality 2000 to 2023: estimates by WHO,UNICEF,UNFPA,World Bank Group,and UNDESA/Population Division. April 7, 2025. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240108462 (accessed July 24,2025).
- UNICEF. Levels and trends in child mortality. March 24, 2025. https://data.unicef.org/resources/levels-and-trends-in-child-mortality-2024/ (accessed July 24, 2025).
- Dong J, Mirza Z. Supporting the production of pharmaceuticals in Africa. Bull World health Organ 2016; 94: 71-72.
- Cresswell JA, Alexander M, Chong MYC, et al. Global and regional causes of maternal deaths 2009-20: a WHO systematic analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2025; 13: e626-34.
- Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition. Manufacturing landscape assessment for maternal health supplies in sub-Saharan Africa. March, 2024. https://www.usp.org/global-public-health/publications/manufacturing-maternal-health-supplies (accessed July 24, 2025).
- Amouzou
