Equity of access to medicines

According to the World Health Organization report of 2019, about one-third of the global population (especially those in developing countries) lack adequate access to effective, adequate and affordable medicines. In many developing countries, like Nigeria, there have been high numbers of cases of inequity in access to affordable and effective medicines that are skewed along economic lines, whereby those at the bottom of the financial ladder are more affected by the challenges of poor access to medicines in contrast to the wealthy few in the society. This is characterised by cases of catastrophic health expenditure, challenges of counterfeit medicines, and increased morbidity and mortality. From my perspective, I believe that it is crucial to bridge the gap of access to medicines between the poor and wealthy so that equity of access to medicines is achieved. For the past few years, I have contributed significantly in that regard in the following ways:

Improved pharmacy workforce competence

I have contributed significantly to build the competence and capacity of recent pharmacy graduates and pharmacy students through mentorship, and through organisation of programmes in professional excellence, pharmacy ethics and public health. I have also participated in the Global Health Workforce Network (a global coalition of young healthcare professional groups including FIP-YPG), where I led discussions on the issue of burn-out faced by healthcare professionals, especially in developing countries, and how best to handle this challenge. The rationale behind my contribution is because one of the root causes of poor access to medicines is the shortage and overwhelming of pharmacists in rural and sub-urban regions where 90% of the population at the bottom of the financial ladder reside.

Leverage on digital technology

The role and importance of digital health in pharmacy practice and health care cannot be overemphasised. Currently, I am fostering partnerships with technology experts and other healthcare providers to create and promote e-pharmacy and telemedicine platforms through which residents of rural or sub-urban regions can order prescription refills, have clinical consultations and report adverse drug reactions or counterfeit medicines by way of their mobile phones at home. This platform is especially useful within the context of a COVID-19 pandemic characterised by restrictions in movements and lockdowns. Also, this platform will enable patients who live far away from pharmacies to have improved access to medicines, which will ultimately improve their health outcomes.

Evidence-based advocacy

With the design and implementation of right health policies especially at national and sub-national levels, the challenge of non-affordability of essential medicines, especially for the poor, can be solved. I have led a team of young researchers to carry out quantitative research aimed at analysing the extent and negative implications of non-affordability of medicines for the poor. With the results of this research (evidence), I liaised with pharmaceutical associations in my country to engage with legislators and advocate the expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme to cover more individuals and reduce the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure.

In conclusion, it will require a collective effort by everyone to achieve equity in access to medicines whereby people, whatever their socioeconomic, demographic or geographic status, can have adequate access to medicines whenever the need arises.