2nd EAC Regional Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan of Action 2017–2027:
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Date
2018
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EAC Secretariat
Abstract
There is abundant interest on the part of the EAC Partner States in promoting their pharmaceutical industry. The first EAC Regional Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan of Action (EAC-RPMPOA): 2012–2016 provided the framework upon which regional and national strategies were aligned in an effort to strengthen the sector. While the implementation of the first plan has achieved several key milestones and contributed to the positive development of the sector, there is need for continuation and further improvement. The current plan (EAC-RPMPOA: 2017–2027) has been developed to build on the achievements and to set out new strategic approaches to surmount the challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities within the sector.
Key findings from this report show that while EAC pharmaceutical markets are growing rapidly, there is still a high dependency on imported pharmaceutical products and local firms are producing below capacity.
Local manufacturers are strongly present in the anti-infectives product category but they miss out in immunological and cardiovascular markets, which have a large market share in the region. Even though locally produced medicines cover 66% of disease conditions, the region lacks the capacity to manufacture advanced formulations. This is attributable to a skills gap in the areas of product development and formulation expertise. Furthermore, there is a lack of appropriate and affordable financing for the sector, with options being limited to short-term loans with high interest rates. From the trade perspective, enhanced cooperation and harmonisation would reduce regulatory barriers and broaden export markets.
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Action plan
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Citation
East African Community. (2018). 2nd EAC regional pharmaceutical manufacturing plan of action 2017–2027: a regional roadmap to guide the East African Community towards evolving an efficient and effective regional pharmaceutical industry that can supply national, regional and international markets with efficacious and quality medicines. EAC Secretariat