African Pharmaceutical Distribution : ADPA holds its 3rd Thematic General Assembly

The African Pharmaceutical Distribution Association, through Cameroonian pharmaceutical distributors, wanted to seize the opportunity to mark its contribution to the realization of the government’s policy of Universal Health Coverage in Cameroon. This, at a time when the pharmaceutical distribution sector in Africa continues to face numerous challenges.

The pharmaceutical distribution sector in Africa continues to face numerous challenges. Between the illicit sale of medicines, the lack of control over imports, and the non-respect of good distribution practices, the obstacles are enormous. The alarm was sounded in Douala yesterday, Tuesday, October 22, 2024, during the 3rd Thematic General Assembly under the theme: “Pharmaceutical Distribution: Availability and Improvement of Access to Quality Medicines for African Populations”. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, accompanied by Lahsen Senh, President of ADPA, Dr. Yolande Djomo, Vice-President of ADPA for the Central Region, Dr. Franck Nana, President of the National Order of Pharmacists in Cameroon, pharmaceutical distributors, manufacturers of medicines, pharmaceutical laboratories, investors, and Non-Governmental Organizations.

“By accepting the designation of Cameroon to host the 3rd Thematic General Assembly of the African Pharmaceutical Distribution Association (ADPA), Cameroonian pharmaceutical distributors wanted to seize this opportunity to mark their contribution to the realization of the government’s policy of Universal Health Coverage,” emphasized Dr. Yolande Djomo, Vice-President of ADPA for the Central Region.

The Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Faces Challenges                                        

For three days, ADPA will discuss ways to improve access to medicines for African populations. The various workshops will allow for an open exchange on pharmaceutical distribution, the risks and opportunities facing the pharmaceutical supply chain. According to Dr. Franck Nana, President of the National Order of Pharmacists in Cameroon, access to quality medicines for our populations, especially in Africa, is a pressing issue. “Pharmaceutical distribution is the pillar that serves as the basis for the industry, which is still recent. Today, in Cameroon, we have several distribution companies, and they are among the best-structured pharmaceutical structures. It is up to these different structures to make available at all times and in adequate quantities, in all appropriate formulations, at an affordable price for the community and individuals.”

When we know that, according to the United Nations, more than two billion people worldwide lack access to essential medicines. The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the global population, 50% of which is in Africa, has access to essential medicines. Only 50% of the African population has access to essential medicines. Therefore, it is essential to secure the supply chains and fight against counterfeit products.

Alphonse Jènè

“Pharmaceutical distribution is a fundamental pillar in improving health systems in Africa“

Dr. Manaouda Malachie, Minister of Public Health visiting the stands

This meeting being of paramount importance for the future of our health systems and thus for the improvement of the lives of many African populations, I did not hesitate to respond favorably to the invitation addressed to me by the African Pharmaceutical Distribution Association. The issue of the availability of quality medicines and pharmaceutical products is a major concern for distributors in this sector, and also a testament to your willingness to work together to strengthen our health systems.

Access to quality medicines remains a major challenge for our populations. We all know that health can only be guaranteed with safe, effective and available medicines in sufficient quantity where needed. In Africa, the supply of medicines is marked by stock shortages, rationalization of services, inaccessible prices, and in some cases, the proliferation of counterfeit or dubious quality products. These obstacles hinder our efforts in public health and seriously harm the ability of our governments to provide quality care to our citizens. I am convinced that sustainable solutions exist and that they must involve profound reforms in the pharmaceutical distribution sector, both nationally and continentally. Indeed, the effective distribution of quality medicines is crucial to ensuring access to care. Access to quality care and medicines is a fundamental right. It is unacceptable that millions of Africans are deprived of care due to the shortage or poor quality of medicines. The main theme of this thematic general assembly: “Pharmaceutical Distribution: Availability and Improvement of Access to Quality Medicines for African Populations” is thus part of the implementation of the CSU, particularly in Cameroon. We all know that pharmaceutical distribution is a fundamental pillar in improving health systems in Africa. To make access to medicines not a privilege, but a right for every citizen, it is necessary to put in place robust, transparent, and efficient supply chains.

Gathered by A.J.

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