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Objectives:  Guidelines for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have undergone significant changes. Specifically, inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) either alone or in combination with a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) are now first-line treatment for asthma, while long-acting muscarinic antagonists alone or in combination with LABAs are first-line treatment of COPD. Data on local availability, cost, and affordability of these medicines in The Gambia are unknown.    Materials and Methods:  We surveyed all registered pharmacists in Gambia and calculated affordability indices relative to the prevailing wage of the lowest government worker.    Results:  Eight out of 18 registered pharmacists responded to the survey. Respondents were responsible for stocking 19 out 26 registered pharmacies in the country, resulting in a response rate of 44%. Salbutamol inhalers were widely available, stocked by the central medical stores and 6 out of 8 surveyed pharmacists. Only one pharmacist reported stocking beclometasone 50 mcg, budesonide 100 mcg, and fluticasone propionate 125 mcg inhalers. Aminophylline was stocked by 4/8 pharmacists. The price of salbutamol 100 mcg inhaler was Gambian Dalasi (GMD) 200 (US$ 4, 4 days’ wages), while ipratropium bromide 20 mcg cost GMD 675 (US$ 14, 15 days’ wages). ICS maintenance inhalers at private pharmacies cost 15, 26, and 28 days’ wages for beclomethasone 50 mcg, fluticasone propionate 125 mcg, and budesonide 100 mcg, respectively. Combination of ICS/LABA inhaler was 26 days’ wages while tiotropium bromide 18 mcg affordability was 95 days’ wages.    Conclusion:  Guideline recommended medications for the management of asthma and COPD in The Gambia are unavailable, expensive, and unaffordable.

Availability, cost, and affordability of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease medications in The Gambia