The challenges of access to medicines in developing countries
Access to medicines is a major global public health issue. If developed countries benefit from a generally efficient health system and an abundant supply of medicines, the situation is very different in developing countries. They face numerous challenges that limit their populations' access to essential medicines.
The main obstacles to access to medicines in developing countries
Several factors are at the root of the difficulties that populations in developing countries encounter in accessing essential medicines.
- The cost of medicines : The high prices of medicines, particularly innovative medicines, represent a major obstacle to health budgets in developing countries
- Health infrastructure: The lack of suitable health infrastructure, such as hospitals, pharmacies and cold chains for temperature-sensitive drugs, complicates drug distribution.
- Availability of medicines: Stock-outs are frequent, particularly for essential medicines, due to logistical, regulatory or production issues.
- Social inequalities: The poorest populations are often the most affected by the lack of access to medicines, due to their low purchasing power and their distance from health centers.
Of course, this has consequences at various levels
The consequences of lack of access to essential medicines
These consequences are diverse.
- An increase in morbidity and mortality : Many diseases, especially infectious diseases, cannot be treated effectively without access to appropriate medicines.
- An economic burden: Untreated illnesses can lead to complications and costly hospitalizations, increasing health spending in affected countries.
- A decrease in productivity: Untreated illnesses can reduce the work capacity of individuals and therefore harm the economic development of countries.
It is true that solutions have been provided and that this situation continues to be debated but there is still more to do. Because by improving access to medicines, developing countries can improve the health of their populations and promote their economic development.
