Access to medicines in conflict situations
Introduction
The International Pharmaceutical Forum (IPF) is an annual meeting for pharmacists and other health professionals to discuss issues relating to the development of the pharmaceutical sector. The meeting is organised under the aegis of the Inter-Order of Pharmacists of Africa (IOPA), the Intersyndicale of Pharmacists of Africa (ISPHARMA), the Association of National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agencies (AANRP) or Pharmacy and Medicines Directorates (DPM), and the Association of Central Purchasing Agencies for Essential Medicines (ACAME).
Launched by the African Council of Ministers of Health in Yaoundé in 1999, the first Pharmaceutical Forum was held in Benin in 2000. This year, Togo is hosting the 23ᵉ edition of the FPI, the main theme of which is: ”Universal access to healthcare: challenges, issues and prospects for the pharmaceutical sector”. During this forum scheduled from 3 to 6 July 2024, sub-themes will be addressed including accessibility to medicines in situations of socio- political conflict.
Socio-political conflicts, whether internal or international (wars, rebellions, economic embargoes, political crises) have devastating repercussions on the healthcare sector, particularly in terms of the supply of healthcare products, access to care and the well-being of the population.
Background and justification
The supply of healthcare products is fraught with difficulties, due to our countries’ heavy dependence on imports, the weakness of our pharmaceutical industries, most of which are virtually non-existent, and our road infrastructure. When socio-political conflicts are added to these contexts, there are harmful consequences for access to healthcare in general. Conflicts cause massive population displacements, the destruction of medical infrastructures, and multiple disruptions to emerging health systems, with a significant increase in illness, trauma and urgent medical needs. The supply chain for even the most essential medicines has been disrupted from production to distribution, resulting in critical shortages of the drugs needed to treat common illnesses.
In addition, violations of international humanitarian law, such as deliberate attacks on health facilities and medical personnel, act as aggravating factors. These actions not only exacerbate the deterioration of health services, but also further limit access to necessary medicines. Several African countries are experiencing these situations, which are compounded by political and security restrictions such as embargoes.
Objectives
General objective
Improve supply chains and access to healthcare products in crisis situations: health, social and political in Africa.
Specific objectives
- Identify the different aspects of a health crisis in a country following a political, economic or security crisis;
- Highlight the risks incurred by distribution company staff in delivering health products;
- Explain the difficulties encountered at different stages of the drug and health product supply chain;
- Suggest possible logistical solutions and other means of overcoming the accessibility issue.
Methodology
This sub-theme will be addressed through a round-table discussion panel. Panelists from countries with real experience of the issue will be invited to explore innovative solutions, share best practices and propose concrete actions to guarantee continued access to healthcare and healthcare products for populations.
Results
Discussions on access to medicines in situations of socio-political conflict should enable us to:
- Identify the difficulties faced by pharmaceutical distribution companies
- Make a plea to state structures for the safety of pharmaceutical personnel and goods in the event of conflict
- Propose recommendations to improve access to medicines and health products in the event of conflict.
