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Mohan S, Mangal TD, Colbourn T, Chalkley M, Chimwaza C, Collins JH, Graham MM, Janoušková E, Jewell B, Kadewere G, Li Lin I, Manthalu G, Mfutso-Bengo J, Mnjowe E, Molaro M, Nkhoma D, Revill P, She B, Manning Smith R, Tafesse W, Tamuri AU, Twea P, Phillips AN, Hallett TB. Factors associated with medical consumable availability in level 1 facilities in Malawi: a secondary analysis of a facility census. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e1027-e1037. [PMID: 38762283 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00095-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical consumable stock-outs negatively affect health outcomes not only by impeding or delaying the effective delivery of services but also by discouraging patients from seeking care. Consequently, supply chain strengthening is being adopted as a key component of national health strategies. However, evidence on the factors associated with increased consumable availability is limited. METHODS In this study, we used the 2018-19 Harmonised Health Facility Assessment data from Malawi to identify the factors associated with the availability of consumables in level 1 facilities, ie, rural hospitals or health centres with a small number of beds and a sparsely equipped operating room for minor procedures. We estimate a multilevel logistic regression model with a binary outcome variable representing consumable availability (of 130 consumables across 940 facilities) and explanatory variables chosen based on current evidence. Further subgroup analyses are carried out to assess the presence of effect modification by level of care, facility ownership, and a categorisation of consumables by public health or disease programme, Malawi's Essential Medicine List classification, whether the consumable is a drug or not, and level of average national availability. FINDINGS Our results suggest that the following characteristics had a positive association with consumable availability-level 1b facilities or community hospitals had 64% (odds ratio [OR] 1·64, 95% CI 1·37-1·97) higher odds of consumable availability than level 1a facilities or health centres, Christian Health Association of Malawi and private-for-profit ownership had 63% (1·63, 1·40-1·89) and 49% (1·49, 1·24-1·80) higher odds respectively than government-owned facilities, the availability of a computer had 46% (1·46, 1·32-1·62) higher odds than in its absence, pharmacists managing drug orders had 85% (1·85, 1·40-2·44) higher odds than a drug store clerk, proximity to the corresponding regional administrative office (facilities greater than 75 km away had 21% lower odds [0·79, 0·63-0·98] than facilities within 10 km of the district health office), and having three drug order fulfilments in the 3 months before the survey had 14% (1·14, 1·02-1·27) higher odds than one fulfilment in 3 months. Further, consumables categorised as vital in Malawi's Essential Medicine List performed considerably better with 235% (OR 3·35, 95% CI 1·60-7·05) higher odds than other essential or non-essential consumables and drugs performed worse with 79% (0·21, 0·08-0·51) lower odds than other medical consumables in terms of availability across facilities. INTERPRETATION Our results provide evidence on the areas of intervention with potential to improve consumable availability. Further exploration of the health and resource consequences of the strategies discussed will be useful in guiding investments into supply chain strengthening. FUNDING UK Research and Innovation as part of the Global Challenges Research Fund (Thanzi La Onse; reference MR/P028004/1), the Wellcome Trust (Thanzi La Mawa; reference 223120/Z/21/Z), the UK Medical Research Council, the UK Department for International Development, and the EU (reference MR/R015600/1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Mohan
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK.
| | - Tara D Mangal
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tim Colbourn
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Joseph H Collins
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew M Graham
- UCL Centre for Advanced Research Computing, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eva Janoušková
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Britta Jewell
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Godfrey Kadewere
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Health and Population, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ines Li Lin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gerald Manthalu
- Department of Planning and Policy Development, Ministry of Health and Population, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Joseph Mfutso-Bengo
- School of Global and Public Health (SOGAPH), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Emmanuel Mnjowe
- Health Economics and Policy Unit, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Margherita Molaro
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Dominic Nkhoma
- Health Economics and Policy Unit, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Paul Revill
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Bingling She
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Asif U Tamuri
- UCL Centre for Advanced Research Computing, University College London, London, UK
| | - Pakwanja Twea
- Department of Planning and Policy Development, Ministry of Health and Population, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Timothy B Hallett
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Deressa HD, Abuye H, Adinew A, Ali MK, Kebede T, Habte BM. Access to essential medicines for diabetes care: availability, price, and affordability in central Ethiopia. Glob Health Res Policy 2024; 9:12. [PMID: 38584277 PMCID: PMC10999076 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-024-00352-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is a major global public health burden. Effective diabetes management is highly dependent on the availability of affordable and quality-assured essential medicines (EMs) which is a challenge especially in low-and-middle-income countries such as Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the accessibility of EMs used for diabetes care in central Ethiopia's public and private medicine outlets with respect to availability and affordability parameters. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 60 selected public and private medicine outlets in central Ethiopia from January to February 2022 using the World Health Organization/Health Action International (WHO/HAI) standard tool to assess access to EMs. We included EMs that lower glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol as these are all critical for diabetes care. Availability was determined as the percentage of surveyed outlets per sector in which the selected lowest-priced generic (LPG) and originator brand (OB) products were found. The number of days' wages required by the lowest paid government worker (LPGW) to purchase a one month's supply of medicines was used to measure affordability while median price was determined to assess patient price and price markup difference between public procurement and retail prices. RESULTS Across all facilities, availability of LPG and OB medicines were 34.6% and 2.5% respectively. Only two glucose-lowering (glibenclamide 5 mg and metformin 500 mg) and two blood pressure-lowering medications (nifedipine 20 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg) surpassed the WHO's target of 80% availability. The median price based on the least measurable unit of LPG diabetes EMs was 1.6 ETB (0.033 USD) in public and 4.65 ETB (0.095 USD) in private outlets. The cost of one month's supply of diabetes EMs was equivalent to 0.3 to 3.1 days wages in public and 1.0 to 11.0 days wages in private outlets, respectively, for a typical LPGW. Thus, 58.8% and 84.6% of LPG diabetes EMs included in the price analysis were unaffordable in private and public outlets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS There are big gaps in availability and affordability of EMs used for diabetes in central Ethiopia. Policy makers should work to improve access to diabetes EMs. It is recommended to increase government attention to availing affordable EMs for diabetes care including at the primary healthcare levels which are more accessible to the majority of the population. Similar studies are also recommended to be conducted in different parts of Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hachalu Dugasa Deressa
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Addis Ababa City Administration Regional Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Abuye
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hossaena, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Adinew
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed K Ali
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, US
- Emory Global Diabetes Research Center of the Woodruff Health Sciences Center and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, US
| | - Tedla Kebede
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bruck Messele Habte
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Shukar S, Anjum R, Zhang J, Babar ZUD, Mobeen I, Yang C. Anticancer medicines in Pakistan: An analysis of essential medicines lists. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2024; 30:46-54. [PMID: 37006130 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231167809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The lack of anticancer drugs for curative and supportive purposes is the critical reason for the low survival rate in low-and-middle-income countries. This study aims to analyze whether the National Essential Medicines List (NEML) and Registered Essential Medicines List (REML) are in concordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Medicines List (EML) and whether the formularies prevalent in the country are parallel to each other and to the NEML. METHOD An observational study design was used in which antineoplastic drugs from the 2021 NEML and REML were compared with 2021 WHO EML to evaluate their availability in Pakistan. Market access was determined. Moreover, the formularies of six different hospital types were compared with each other and with the NEML, and REML to estimate the availability within hospitals. RESULTS There were 66 anticancer drugs in 2021 WHO EML and all were found in Pakistan's 2021 NEML but only 48 drugs (73%) were found in the REML. Hydroxycarbamide and dasatinib were two registered drugs absent in all hospitals' formularies. The market access for anticancer medicines was 73% (48 of 66). Semigovernment hospital (86%) has the highest availability, followed by the government hospital (80%). All the hospitals have unregistered drugs including bortezomib, lenalidomide, and mesna. CONCLUSION Pakistan's NEML adopts WHO EML abruptly but all medicines are not registered. The hospitals are trying their best to increase availability but optimum drug regulations to revise NEML based on the country's requirements and emphasizing registration of anticancer medicines are needed to improve the country's availability of antineoplastic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundus Shukar
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rehan Anjum
- Department of Pharmacy, Shifa International Hospitals, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Iqra Mobeen
- Department of Pharmacy, Samaa Fertilization Center Jumeriah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Caijun Yang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Deng J, Mayai AT, Kayitare E, Ntakirutimana T, Swallehe O, Bizimana T. Assessment of prices, availability and affordability of essential medicines in Juba County, South Sudan. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:172. [PMID: 38158563 PMCID: PMC10757353 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00675-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to safe, effective, affordable, and high-quality medications has been included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations as a crucial step towards attaining universal health coverage. Access to medicines is a fundamental human right. If medicines are accessible and affordable, they save lives by reducing mortality and morbidity associated with acute and chronic diseases. WHO recommends that all countries voluntarily reach the minimum target of 80% availability of medicines by 2025. The primary purpose of this research is to assess access to essential medicines in Juba County, South Sudan. METHODS This study was undertaken using the standard World Health Organization/Health Action International Organization (WHO/HAI) approach for surveying the prices, availability, and affordability of medicines. A survey was conducted in six payams of Juba County, South Sudan, and 55 health facilities were assessed. RESULTS Prices for generic medicines were better in faith-based health facilities with a median price ratio of 1.95. Private pharmacies and private clinics had MPRs of 4.64 and 4.32, respectively. Local prices were high compared to International referent prices. Availability of medicines was highest in the faith-based health facilities (65.5%) and slightly lower in private pharmacies (55.4%), private clinics (57.7%) and public (50.4%) sectors. Most of the surveyed medicines were unaffordable. The medicines needed to treat non-communicable diseases cost up to 33.7-day wages for one full course of treatment. CONCLUSIONS In South Sudan, medicines are poorly available in all sectors. Medicines are affordable in the public sector but Most medicines are unaffordable in private pharmacies, private clinics and faith-based health facilities. Poor medicines availability in the public sector contributes to the overall unaffordability of medicines in all the other sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Deng
- EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Egide Kayitare
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Theoneste Ntakirutimana
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Omary Swallehe
- Department of Business Studies, School of Business, Dar es Salaam Campus College, Mzumbe University, Mzumbe, Tanzania
| | - Thomas Bizimana
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
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Deressa HD, Abuye H, Adinew A, Ali MK, Kebede T, Habte BM. Access to Essential Medicines for Diabetes Care: Availability, Price, and Affordability in Central Ethiopia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3694051. [PMID: 38106116 PMCID: PMC10723550 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3694051/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Diabetes is a major global public health burden. Effective diabetes management is highly dependent on the availability of affordable and quality-assured essential medicines (EMs) which is a challenge especially in low-and-middle-income countries such as Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 60 selected public and private medicine outlets in central Ethiopia from January to February 2022 using the World Health Organization/Health Action International (WHO/HAI) standard tool to assess access to EMs. We included EMs that lower glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol as these are all critical for diabetes care. Availability was determined as the percentage of surveyed outlets per sector in which the selected lowest-priced generic (LPG) and originator brand (OB) products were found. The number of days' wages required by the lowest paid government worker (LPGW) to purchase a one month's supply of medicines was used to measure affordability while median price was determined to assess patient price and price markup difference between public procurement and retail prices. Results Across all facilities, availability of LPG and OB medicines were 34.6% and 2.5% respectively. Only two glucose-lowering (glibenclamide 5mg, metformin 500mg) and two blood pressure-lowering medications (nifedipine 20mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25mg) surpassed the WHO's target of 80% availability. The median price based on the least measurable unit of LPG diabetes EMs was 1.6 ETB (0.033 USD) in public and 4.65 ETB (0.095 USD) in private outlets, respectively. The cost of one month's supply of diabetes EMs was equivalent to 0.3 to 3.1 days wages in public and 1.0 to 11.0 days wages in private outlets, respectively, for a typical LPGW. Thus, 58.8% and 84.6% of LPG diabetes EMs included in the price analysis were unaffordable in private and public outlets, respectively. Conclusion There are big gaps in availability and affordability of EMs used for diabetes in central Ethiopia. Relevant stakeholders should work to improve access to EMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hachalu Dugasa Deressa
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Abuye
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hossaena, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Adinew
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed K Ali
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Tedla Kebede
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University
| | - Bruck Messele Habte
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Coveney L, Musoke D, Russo G. Do private health providers help achieve Universal Health Coverage? A scoping review of the evidence from low-income countries. Health Policy Plan 2023; 38:1050-1063. [PMID: 37632759 PMCID: PMC10566321 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is the dominant paradigm in health systems research, positing that everyone should have access to a range of affordable health services. Although private providers are an integral part of world health systems, their contribution to achieving UHC is unclear, particularly in low-income countries (LICs). We scoped the literature to map out the evidence on private providers' contribution to UHC progress in LICs. Literature searches of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were conducted in 2022. A total of 1049 documents published between 2002 and 2022 were screened for eligibility using predefined inclusion criteria, focusing on formal as well as informal private health sectors in 27 LICs. Primary qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods evidence was included, as well as original analysis of secondary data. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. Relevant evidence was extracted and analysed using an adapted UHC framework. We identified 34 papers documenting how most basic health care services are already provided through the private sector in countries such as Uganda, Afghanistan and Somalia. A substantial proportion of primary care, mother, child and malaria services are available through non-public providers across all 27 LICs. Evidence exists that while formal private providers mostly operate in well-served urban settings, informal and not-for-profit ones cater for underserved rural and urban areas. Nonetheless, there is evidence that the quality of the services by informal providers is suboptimal. A few studies suggested that the private sector fails to advance financial protection against ill-health, as costs are higher than in public facilities and services are paid out of pocket. We conclude that despite their shortcomings, working with informal private providers to increase quality and financing of their services may be key to realizing UHC in LICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Coveney
- The Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, 58 Turner Street, London E1 2AB, United Kingdom
| | - David Musoke
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, New Mulago Hill Road, Mulango, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Giuliano Russo
- The Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, 58 Turner Street, London E1 2AB, United Kingdom
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Hailemariam FH, Shifa M, Kassaw C. Availability, price, and affordability of antiseizure medicines in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:1123-1132. [PMID: 37469205 PMCID: PMC10472410 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could become seizure-free with the appropriate use of antiseizure medicines. However, three quarters of people with epilepsy living in low-income countries do not get the treatment they need and also do not access antiseizure medicines. The purpose of this study was to assess the availability, price, and affordability of antiseizure medicines in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was done in selected pharmacies using a questioner developed after the modification of World Health Organization/Health Action International methodology. Data on the availability and price of lowest-priced generics and originator brand antiseizure medicines from essential medicines list in Ethiopia were collected from seven public sectors, five private sectors, and seven other sectors (five Kenema Public Community and two Red Cross Pharmacies) in Addis Ababa between 09 May and 31 2022. The data were analyzed using the modified World Health Organization/Health Action International workbook part I excel sheet. Descriptive results were reported in text and table format. RESULTS The overall availability of lowest-priced generics medication was 52%. The availability of lowest-priced generics was 62.86%, 30%, 55%, and 50% in public, private, Red Cross, and Kenema Public Community Pharmacies, respectively. The median price ratio in the public, private, Red Cross, and Kenema Public Community Pharmacy was 1.45, 3.72, 1.46, and 1.7, respectively. All the medications were unaffordable. Patients may be required to pay more than 6-month wage to purchase standard treatment for 1 month only. SIGNIFICANCE The overall availability of antiseizure medicines was lower than the WHO target for noncommunicable diseases. All the available medicines were unaffordable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fikreselam Habte Hailemariam
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health ScienceAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Mekdes Shifa
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health ScienceAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Chalelgn Kassaw
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health ScienceAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
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Habte F, Shifa M, Berhanu H. Availability, Price and Affordability of Psychotropic Medicines in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:957-970. [PMID: 37250433 PMCID: PMC10216867 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s409929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Access to affordable, quality-assured essential medicines is crucial to reduce the burden of disease. However, one third of the world's population lacks regular access to essential medicines. The purpose of this study was to assess the availability, price, and affordability of medicines for mental disorders in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was done in selected pharmacies after modification of a WHO/HAI methodology developed questionnaire. Data on the availability and price of 28 lowest priced generics and originator brand essential psychotropic medicines were collected from seven public sectors, five private sectors, and seven other sectors (five Kenema Public Community Pharmacies and two Red Cross Pharmacies) in Addis Ababa between May 9 and May 31, 2022. The data were analyzed using the developed WHO/HAI workbook part I Excel sheet. Descriptive results were reported in text and table format. Results The overall availability of lowest-priced generics medication was 41.69%. The availability of lowest-priced generics and originator brand medication was 54.68% and 1.7% in the public pharmacies; 24.14% and 0.0% in private pharmacies; 43% and 0.0% in Red Cross Pharmacies; and 42% and 3.2% in Kenema Public Community Pharmacies. The median price ratio in the public, private, Red Cross, and Kenema Public Community pharmacies was 1.26, 3.72, 1.65, and 1.59, respectively. Most of the medications were unaffordable. A patient could be required to pay up to 73 days wages to purchase a standard treatment for 1 month. Conclusion The availability of psychotropic medicines was lower than the WHO target for non-communicable diseases and most of the available medicines were unaffordable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fikreselam Habte
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mekdes Shifa
- Department of Pharmacy, Universal Medical and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hana Berhanu
- Department of Pharmacy, Universal Medical and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Quality evaluation of the Azithromycin tablets commonly marketed in Adama, and Modjo towns, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282156. [PMID: 36862656 PMCID: PMC9980786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Azithromycin is a therapeutically" relevant macrolide antibiotic registered on the Essential Medicines List of the World Health Organization. The fact that medicine is selected as an essential drug doesn't mean that it is of good quality. Hence, a continuous quality evaluation of the drug should be mandated to verify that the right medication is available on the market. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the quality of Azithromycin Tablets commonly marketed in Adama, and Modjo town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. METHODS All six brands were subjected to in-vitro quality control tests, which were carried out according to procedures described in the manufacturer's method, the United States Pharmacopeia, and the WHO inspection tool. All quality control parameters were compared by one-way ANOVA. Statistically, significant difference was considered when P<0.05. The in-vitro dissolution profiles of the brands were also compared statistically using the post-hoc Dunnett test, model-independent and model-dependent approaches. RESULTS All of the evaluated brands agreed with WHO visual inspection criteria. All of the tablets achieved the thickness, and diameter test requirements of the manufacturer's specification (±5%). All brands passed the hardness, friability, weight variation, disintegration, identity, and assay tests as stipulated by USP. The dissolution rate was more than 80% in 30 minutes, which was within the USP specification. The model-independent parameters have confirmed that only two brands (2/6) were deemed better brands for interchangeability. Weibull and Korsemeyer's Peppas model were the best release models. CONCLUSION All of the evaluated brands passed the quality specification. The model dependent approaches revealed that drug release data fit well to the Weibull, and Korsemeyer's Peppas release models. However, the model-independent parameters have confirmed that only two brands were deemed better brands (2/6) for interchangeability. Due to the dynamic nature of low-quality medications, the Ethiopian Food, and Drug Authority should keep an eye on marketed products to guarantee their quality, especially for drugs like azithromycin for which non-bioequivalence data from the study has revealed a clinical concern.
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Tekeste Z, Berhe N, Arage M, Degarege A, Melaku YA. Cancer signs and risk factors awareness in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a population-based survey. Infect Agent Cancer 2023; 18:1. [PMID: 36600261 PMCID: PMC9811709 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-022-00477-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of data on public awareness of cancer in Ethiopia. This study assessed cancer signs, symptoms, and risk factors awareness among individuals aged 18 and older in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHOD A population-based face-to-face interview was conducted applying a validated cancer awareness measure (CAM) tool. A total of 600 adults (315 males and 285 females) were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. One open-ended and ten closed-ended questions were used to assess awareness of cancer signs and symptoms. To assess awareness of cancer risk factors, one open-ended and twelve closed-ended questions were used. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the association between sociodemographic status and awareness of cancer signs, symptoms, and risk factors. RESULTS Based on the responses for the open-ended questions, unexplained bleeding (23.16%) and smoking (24.17%) were the most frequently recalled cancer sign and risk factor, respectively. Based on the responses for the closed questions, the majority of respondents identified tiredness all the time (80.7%) as a cancer symptom and alcohol use (82.5%) as a cancer risk factor. The odds of cancer signs and symptoms awareness was higher in those with primary (AOR = 4.50, 95% CI, 1.72-11.79, p = 0.02), secondary (AOR = 4.62; 95% CI 1.86-11.43; p = 0.001), and tertiary (AOR = 7.51; 95% CI 3.04-18.56; p < 0.001) education than those who were illiterate. The odds of awareness about cancer signs and risk factors was 0.28 (95% CI 0.12-0.65; p = 0.003) and 0.22 (95% CI 0.83-0.58; p = 0.002) times lower, respectively, among individuals aged 60 and older than those aged 18 to 29. CONCLUSIONS Young adults who attended formal education of primary or higher level may have a better cancer signs and symptoms awareness. Future education interventions to increase awareness of the society in Addis Ababa may target illiterate and the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinaye Tekeste
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Nega Berhe
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mahlet Arage
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Degarege
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, 984395 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yohannes Adama Melaku
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Victoria, Australia
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Mohammed SA, Tsehay T, Faris AG, Mengstu G. Availability, price, and affordability of medicines used for the management of Covid-19 in health facilities of Dessie town WHO/HAI survey. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279465. [PMID: 36542641 PMCID: PMC9770383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapidly spreading nature of Covid-19 virus associated with its high mortality and mortality rate is triggering an unprecedented public health crisis. The study assessed the availability, price, and affordability of medicines used in the management of Covid-19 in health facilities of Dessie town. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional study design was employed in the health facilities of Dessie town from September 1 to September 20, 2021. Data was collected using a standard checklist adopted from the Logistics Indicator Assessment Tool and WHO/HAI. WHO/HAI methodology was applied to select the surveyed health facilities (30) and medicines (44). The daily wage of the lowest-paid unskilled government worker is used to estimate affordability. RESULTS Fifteen and five medicines were not found at all public and private health facilities, respectively. The originator brand (OB) and lowest price generic (LPG) availability in private health facilities was 2.03% and 51.33%, respectively. In the public sector, the availability of OB and LPG was 0% and 34.44%, respectively. In public and private health facilities, the mean number of stock-outs was 2.25 and 2.91, and the mean number of stock-out days was 177.83 and 106.16 days, respectively. Eight and one LPG medicines were out of stock in public and private health facilities, respectively. Eight (33.33%) and 6 (28.57%) had higher prices than international prices in private and public health facilities, respectively. The median price ratio in public and private health facilities ranged from 0.02 and 3.05 and 0.04 to 2.70, respectively. Eighty percent of the products were unaffordable in both sectors. CONCLUSIONS The availability of medicines was low. One-third of the medicines had higher prices than international prices. Eighty percent of the products were unaffordable. The regular supply of these medicines is crucial for better management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Ahmed Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Tessema Tsehay
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Getie Faris
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Getnet Mengstu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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Tefera BB, Tafere C, Yehualaw A, Mebratu E, Chanie Y, Ayele S, Adane S. Availability and stock-out duration of essential medicines in Shegaw Motta general hospital and Motta Health Centre, North West Ethiopia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274776. [PMID: 36112721 PMCID: PMC9481020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Essential medicines are those that meet the population’s most pressing healthcare needs. As a result, they should always be available in sufficient quantities and the proper dosage forms within health facilities. The study aimed to determine the availability and stock-out duration of essential medicines in Shegaw Motta General Hospital and Motta Health Centre. Descriptive study was conducted at Shegaw Motta General Hospital and Motta Health Centre. The data were collected from June-20 to July-20, 2021 G.C. Fifteen essential medicines from both health facilities’ tracer drug lists were reviewed. The frequency and percentage of availability and stick-out duration were calculated, and the results were briefly described in the text and displayed in tables. The average availability of essential medicines on the day of the survey was 80% and 93.3% in Shegaw Motta general hospital and Motta health center, respectively. Besides, 60% and 20% of the essential medicines were stocked out at least once in the last six months (before the data collection period) in the hospital and health center, respectively. The average stock-out duration in the last six months period (before the data collection period) was 38.8 days (ranges from 10 days to 157 days) in the hospital and 11.2 days in the health center. Ferrous salt + folic acid 150mg + 0.5mg and Medroxy Progesterone injection were the medicines with the longest stock-out duration in Shegaw Motta general hospital and Motta health center, respectively.The average availability of essential medicines was fairly high both in the hospital and health center. In comparison to the hospital, the health center had better availability and a shorter stock-out duration. Over the last six months, a significant percentage of essential medicines were stocked out at the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bereket Bahiru Tefera
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Chernet Tafere
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Adane Yehualaw
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Ephrem Mebratu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Yalelet Chanie
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Simachew Ayele
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Sewnet Adane
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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