UNCTAD outlines actions to boost production of essential antibiotics in East Africa

Three reports show how Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda can broaden their investment incentives to capture the special needs of antibiotics production.

As World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is marked from 18 to 24 November, UNCTAD has launched three advisory reports spelling out how pharmaceutical companies, governments and procurers can ensure appropriate access to antibiotics in East Africa.

The studies recommend ways to improve the investment landscape for local production of essential antibiotics in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.

Antibiotics are essential due to concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which occurs when microbes evolve to the point where antibiotics are no longer effective. As a result of this drug resistance, infections spread and become harder to treat.

Estimates show that in 2019 alone, about 4.95 million deaths were associated with AMR and more than 1 million people died due to antibiotic resistance. By 2050, the death toll could rise to 10 million deaths per year.