Supporting the production of pharmaceuticals in Africa

World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa has a great demand for life-saving and affordable medicines. 70% of people infected with HIV live on this continent, 90% of malaria deaths and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases takes place in Africa. Nevertheless, the continent is still barely able to produce the necessary drugs themselves - a large part has to be imported, with additional costs.

Ethiopia urges to change this situation with the support of WHO, European Commission and the Gates Foundation and has highlighted in its national strategic plan, how pharmaceutical industry can be settled and how access to essential medicines can be improved. (Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2016; 94: 71-72) Photo © Flickr.

• www.who.int