Improving access to affordable quality-assured inhaled medicines in low- and middle-income countries.

Stolbrink, Marie, Chinouya, Martha, Jayasooriya, S, Nightingale, Rebecca, Evans-Hill, L, Allan, K, Allen, H, Balen, J, Beacon, T, Bissell, K, Muhwa, Jeremiah, Chiang, C-Y, Cohen, M, Devereux, Graham ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0024-4887, El Sony, A, Halpin, D M G, Hurst, J R, Kiprop, C, Lawson, A, Macé, C, Makhanu, A, Makokha, P, Masekela, R, Meme, H, Khoo, E M, Nantanda, R, Pasternak, S, Perrin, C, Reddel, H, Rylance, S, Schweikert, P, Were, C, Williams, S, Winders, T, Yorgancioglu, A, Marks, G B and Mortimer, K (2022) 'Improving access to affordable quality-assured inhaled medicines in low- and middle-income countries.'. International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Vol 26, Issue 11, pp. 1023-1032.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Access to affordable inhaled medicines for chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) is severely limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), causing avoidable morbidity and mortality. The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease convened a stakeholder meeting on this topic in February 2022.

METHODS: Focused group discussions were informed by literature and presentations summarising experiences of obtaining inhaled medicines in LMICs. The virtual meeting was moderated using a topic guide around barriers and solutions to improve access. The thematic framework approach was used for analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 58 key stakeholders, including patients, healthcare practitioners, members of national and international organisations, industry and WHO representatives attended the meeting. There were 20 pre-meeting material submissions. The main barriers identified were 1) low awareness of CRDs; 2) limited data on CRD burden and treatments in LMICs; 3) ineffective procurement and distribution networks; and 4) poor communication of the needs of people with CRDs. Solutions discussed were 1) generation of data to inform policy and practice; 2) capacity building; 3) improved procurement mechanisms; 4) strengthened advocacy practices; and 5) a World Health Assembly Resolution.

CONCLUSION: There are opportunities to achieve improved access to affordable, quality-assured inhaled medicines in LMICs through coordinated, multi-stakeholder, collaborative efforts.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	WA Public Health > WA 30 Socioeconomic factors in public health (General) WF Respiratory System > WF 100 General works
Faculty: Department:	Clinical Sciences & International Health > Clinical Sciences Department Education
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.5588/ijtld.22.0270
SWORD Depositor:	JISC Pubrouter
Depositing User:	JISC Pubrouter
Date Deposited:	15 Dec 2022 11:56
Last Modified:	13 Jun 2023 12:28
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/21542

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