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

• Main Authors: Stolbrink, M., Chinouya, M. J., Jayasooriya, S., Nightingale, R., Evans-Hill, L., Allan, K., Allen, H., Balen, J., Beacon, T., Bissell, K., Chakaya, J., Chiang, C-y., Cohen, M., Devereux, G., El Sony, A., Halpin, D. M. G., Hurst, J. R., Kiprop, C., Lawson, A., Mace, C., Makhanu, A., Makokha, P., Masekela, R., Meme, H., Khoo, Ee Ming, Nantanda, R., Pasternak, S., Perrin, C., Reddel, H., Rylance, S., Schweikert, P., Were, C., Williams, S., Winders, T., Yorgancioglu, A., Marks, G. B., Mortimer, K.
• Format: Article
• Published: INT UNION AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS LUNG DISEASE (I U A T L D) 2022
• Subjects: R Medicine
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/46215/; https://doi.org/10.5588/ijtld.22.0270

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 Inter-national 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 -stake-holder, collaborative efforts.