(Ecofin Agency) - In recent years, Côte d’Ivoire has launched several initiatives to enhance healthcare access and ensure the continuous availability of essential medicines for its population.

The Ivorian government approved Wednesday a five-year agreement with the New Public Health Pharmacy (PSP), a national public institution, to improve access to essential medicines.

The agreement aims to ensure sustainable access to essential medicines and strategic inputs. It includes the quantification of healthcare facility needs and regular updates of the list of medicines to be distributed.

Measures will also be implemented to strengthen distribution capacities, improve drug traceability, and ensure the recovery of revenues from the sale of health products.

In Côte d'Ivoire, the supply of medicines is often hindered by inaccessibility and poor quality of products, especially in rural areas, along with frequent stockouts. To address this, the country has undertaken several key initiatives, including strengthening health infrastructure, more effective stock management, collaborations with international organizations, and increased training for healthcare personnel.

Notably, the Ivorian government mobilized $16 million in 2023 to boost local pharmaceutical production. This strategic investment aims to increase national coverage of generic medicines from 6% to 20% by 2025.

Additionally, in June 2023, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced a €50 million financing for the construction of a pharmaceutical production plant and a distribution center near Abidjan. This project, set to become the largest pharmaceutical factory in Côte d'Ivoire, will have the capacity to produce five billion tablets per year, including malaria drugs and antibiotics.