Ensuring access to COVID-19 therapeutics in Pacific island countries and areas
10.5365/wpsar.2023.14.2.1000
- Author:
Gereltuya Dorj
1
,
2
;
Eva Mata Martinez
1
;
Karen Hammad
1
,
3
,
4
;
Biniam Getachew Kabethymer
1
;
Nuha Mahmoud
1
Author Information
1. World Health Organization Division of Pacific Technical Support, Suva, Fiji
2. Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
3. Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
4. College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
COVID-19, access, therapeutics, Pacific Islands, immunomodulating drugs, antiviral drugs, quality control
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2023;14(2):14-20
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Problem: As of November 2022, over 417 397 confirmed cases and 2631 deaths related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported in Pacific island countries and areas (PICs). Most PICs have faced challenges accessing therapeutics recommended for the treatment of COVID-19 due to their high demand worldwide and supply chain constraints.
Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) coordinates and provides tailored technical and operational support to 21 PICs. Since the start of the pandemic, WHO has worked with partners to establish a mechanism to ensure equitable access to three novel COVID-19 therapeutics (tocilizumab, molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) for lower-income countries, including 11 eligible PICs.
Action: WHO coordinated the requests, procurement and distribution of the three novel therapeutics. In addition, WHO supported PICs by providing trainings in clinical management of COVID-19, developing critical supply needs estimates, and facilitating regulatory approval of clinical therapeutics, including emergency use authorization.
Lessons learned: The main barriers to procurement of novel COVID-19 therapeutics were identified as prolonged negotiations with licence holders, sourcing funding, the high cost of therapeutics and limited capacity to provide safety monitoring.
Discussion: Uninterrupted supply and availability of essential medicines in the Pacific region is dependent on external and local sourcing. To overcome procurement barriers and ensure access to novel COVID-19 therapeutics in PICs, WHO‘s pandemic support to Member States focused on strengthening regulatory requirements, safety monitoring and supply chain activities.
- Full text:2024062111174611035wpsar-14-1000.pdf
