Obianuju B Ozoh1,2, Joy N Eze3, Bilkisu I Garba4, Oluwafemi O Ojo2, Elizabeth-Martha Okorie5, Esther Yiltok6, Chinyere V Okoli7, Ahmed Hammangabdo8, David Beran9. 1. Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. 2. Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. 3. Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria/University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria. 4. Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. 5. Spring Rose Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 6. Department of Paediatrics, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria. 7. Department of Paediatrics, Nyanya General Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria. 8. Department of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria. 9. Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S): To determine the availability and affordability of asthma and COPD medicines across Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 128 pharmacies (51 in public sector hospitals, 51 private sector community pharmacies and 26 charity or big private hospitals) across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria using the WHO/Health Action Initiative method. The proportion of pharmacies where medicines were available, the median retail prices of originator and generics and affordability were analysed. A medicine was available if found in ≥ 80% of surveyed pharmacies. Unaffordability was defined as paying> 1 day's wage (> US$1.68) for a standard 30-day supply of the medicine. RESULTS: The available medicines were oral corticosteroids and oral salbutamol which are not on the WHO Essential Medicine List. Medicines were found more frequently in private than public pharmacies and in the southern than northern zones. Inhalable corticosteroid was not available at any public pharmacy nationwide. None of the EML medicines were affordable. The least number of days' wages for a 30-day supply of any inhalable corticosteroid-containing medication was 3.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: There are very limited availability and affordability of recommended asthma and COPD medicines across Nigeria with disparity across regions. Medicines that were available and affordable are not recommended and are harmful for long-term use. This underpins the need for engagement of all stakeholders for the review of existing policies regarding access to asthma and COPD medicines to improve availability and affordability.
OBJECTIVE(S): To determine the availability and affordability of asthma and COPD medicines across Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 128 pharmacies (51 in public sector hospitals, 51 private sector community pharmacies and 26 charity or big private hospitals) across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria using the WHO/Health Action Initiative method. The proportion of pharmacies where medicines were available, the median retail prices of originator and generics and affordability were analysed. A medicine was available if found in ≥ 80% of surveyed pharmacies. Unaffordability was defined as paying> 1 day's wage (> US$1.68) for a standard 30-day supply of the medicine. RESULTS: The available medicines were oral corticosteroids and oral salbutamol which are not on the WHO Essential Medicine List. Medicines were found more frequently in private than public pharmacies and in the southern than northern zones. Inhalable corticosteroid was not available at any public pharmacy nationwide. None of the EML medicines were affordable. The least number of days' wages for a 30-day supply of any inhalable corticosteroid-containing medication was 3.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: There are very limited availability and affordability of recommended asthma and COPD medicines across Nigeria with disparity across regions. Medicines that were available and affordable are not recommended and are harmful for long-term use. This underpins the need for engagement of all stakeholders for the review of existing policies regarding access to asthma and COPD medicines to improve availability and affordability.
Authors: Boni M Ale; Obianuju B Ozoh; Muktar A Gadanya; Yiyang Li; Michael O Harhay; Akindele O Adebiyi; Davies Adeloye Journal: J Glob Health Rep Date: 2022-09-15