(P-011) Drug Utilization Research in Africa: overview of Demographic and Socioeconomic Profile, Health Systems and Epidemiology

Background: Africa’s opportunities are vast, yet it is a region with persistent challenges especially with respect to healthcare.

Objectives: To provide an overview of the African region focusing on the demographic and socioeconomic profile, health systems and epidemiology as it relates to drug utilization research (DUR).

Methods: A comprehensive literature review identifying publications on DUR in Africa was conducted, complemented by data sourced from local experts. A core group of investigators with expertise in DUR reviewed publications to identify the main demographic, socioeconomic, health system and epidemiological data impacting on DUR in the region.

Results: Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent with 1.3 billion inhabitants across 54 countries. The region has a young and rapidly growing population. Evolving in tandem with the exponential population growth is the rate of urbanization. Currently, 37% of the African population live in cities, expecting to reach 53% by 2030. Lifestyle changes due to urbanization contributes to an increase in non-communicable diseases (especially hypertension, diabetes, cancer and mental health). Currently, 25.7 million people are living with HIV in Africa, contributing to more than 70% of the global burden. Both infectious and non-communicable diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality, and important drivers of medicine utilization. Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the most unequal regions globally as reflected by its Gini coefficient of 0.625. More than 416 million Africans live in extreme poverty, and an estimated 72% of city-dwellers live in slums. The major source of healthcare is the government, with a limited proportion of people having access to private healthcare. Public health facilities across African countries are largely in poor conditions with lack of infrastructure for effective healthcare delivery. Poverty and limited resources against weak public health systems are major drivers of the high disease burden and the irrational use of medicines. There is some evidence that these problems are being addressed but the gaps remain substantial.

Conclusions: The current geographical, socioeconomic and health status of the citizens of Africa warrant more drug utilization studies to be conducted to ensure the optimal management of the health of the population and health systems, as well as the rational use of medicines.