Open AccessImproving access to affordable quality-assured inhaled medicines in low- and middle-income countries
Author(s) -
Marie Stolbrink,
Martha Chinouya,
Shamanthi Jayasooriya,
Rebecca Nightingale,
Laura Evans-Hill,
Keith Allan,
Haddijatou Allen,
Julie Balen,
Tim Beacon,
Karen Bissell,
Jeremiah Chakaya,
Cheng-Wen Chiang,
Mark Cohen,
Graham Devereux,
Asma El Sony,
David Halpin,
John R. Hurst,
Clement Kiprop,
Anna Lawson,
Cécile Macé,
Agnes Makhanu,
Paulpeter Makokha,
Refiloe Masekela,
H Meme,
Ee Ming Khoo,
Rebecca Nantanda,
Sarah Pasternak,
Christophe Perrin,
Helen Reddel,
Sarah Rylance,
Peter Schweikert,
Christopher Were,
Siân Williams,
Tonya Winders,
Arzu Yorgancıoğlu,
Guy B. Marks,
Kevin Mortimer
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
the international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease/the international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease. articles traduits en français ...
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.103
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1815-7920
pISSN - 1027-3719
DOI - 10.5588/ijtld.22.0270
Subject(s) - stakeholder , procurement , business , essential medicines , medicine , thematic analysis , stakeholder engagement , low and middle income countries , best practice , quality (philosophy) , environmental health , public relations , developing country , economic growth , nursing , marketing , political science , qualitative research , social science , philosophy , epistemology , sociology , economics , public health , law
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.