African drug makers see climate adaptation as key to their future

Local drug companies are well-positioned to address local needs, but their limited resources and existing infrastructure vulnerabilities have hindered their adaptation efforts. Some are now focusing on developing heat-resistant drug formulations relevant to their regions and exploring locally sourced, climate-resilient alternatives for traditional drug ingredients. Regional and national champions in Africa will require substantial investment for adaptive strategies to overcome climate-related obstacles and attain long-term resilience. Kenyan Universal Corporation Ltd (UCL) became the first African manufacturer to gain WHO prequalification for sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) to prevent malaria. In October 2023, UCL received prequalification from the WHO for seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). These pre-qualifications will improve access to effective malaria-prevention medication, especially after a 2020 British study identified the potential spread of the Anopheles stephensi mosquito in Africa, which could expose an additional 126 million people to malaria.

• In recognition of the growing challenges faced by Africa, including those highlighted by the United Nations' findings on the financial burden of climate change adaptation, the African Development Bank launched the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (APTF). This initiative aims to significantly increase the number of pharmaceutical companies in Africa by 2040. 

• As the Montreal Protocol requires, Aspen Pharmacare (SA) is phasing out ozone-depleting refrigerants and runs staff awareness campaigns on energy conservation and carbon footprint reduction at all manufacturing sites, particularly on internationally recognized days for environmental action.