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The pharmaceutical market in Cameroon has been growing, driven by factors such as an increasing population, rising healthcare awareness, and a growing middle class.
Currently, local production meets only 5% of the national needs, as Cameroon imports over 90% of its needed pharmaceuticals.
ECA and Cameroonian experts agree that three main issues are responsible for stunting the growth of the pharmaceutical sector, which structural weakness made the country, like its African counterparts. These are: the lack of competitiveness, reputational issues and limited levels of partnership.
ECA is already brokering a possible partnership between the Government of Cameroon and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), which has demonstrated expertise in supporting and co-developing special economic zones and other industrial clusters in Africa.
in November 2019 in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), WHO, UNAIDS and other partners to improve Africa’s collective bargain for the timely and cost-effective procurement of medicines from elsewhere, while developing the continent’s own capacity to quickly produce its own medicines and strengthen its quality standards.
With technical support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), public and private sector representatives have consolidated a comprehensive framework to render Cameroon’s local pharmaceutical sector better structured, resilient, productive, competitive and viable in the short term.
In the Cameroonian Health Care retail market, the online share is 2.1% and will increase by an average of 13.0% to 3.4% by 2027.
Generics are the most popular type of drug in Cameroon, accounting for over 70% of total sales. This is because generics are significantly cheaper than branded drugs.
The government is taking steps to develop the domestic pharmaceutical industry. This includes investing in research and development, providing tax incentives to pharmaceutical companies, and developing training programs for pharmacists.
Cameroon has outlined a comprehensive strategy to seize a sizable portion of the local pharmaceutical market as well as the subregional and Nigerian markets of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
The rapid innovation of modern technology has given rise to new legislative needs, in order to safeguard human health and the environment while at the same time taking advantage of the opportunities offered by technology.
Centre National d’ Approvisionnement en Medicaments Essential’s (CENAME) is the main public actor involved in the pharmaceutical industry in Cameroon after the Ministry of Health (MoH).
The OTC (over-the-counter) pharmaceuticals market is the largest segment of the market, accounting for over 50% of total revenue. This is due to the fact that OTC drugs are more affordable and accessible than prescription drugs.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and representatives from both the public and private sectors endorse this framework.
It aims to improve the local pharmaceutical industry’s structure, resilience, productivity, competitiveness, and short-term viability.
Currently, Cameroon imports over 90% of its pharmaceutical requirements, so local production only meets 5% of national requirements. The drug items utilized in the nation of ordinary items available comes from stash and illegal stockpile chains, as per the ECA.
The Cameroon Pharmaceutical Market accounted for $XX Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2030.
Cameroon’s Ministry of Health partners with WHO to combat counterfeit drugs: In October 2023, the Cameroon Ministry of Health announced a new partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat the proliferation of counterfeit drugs in the country. The partnership will focus on raising awareness of the dangers of counterfeit drugs, strengthening drug regulatory systems, and enhancing enforcement efforts.
Growing demand for generics: Generics are becoming increasingly popular in Cameroon due to their affordability and effectiveness. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, driven by rising healthcare costs and increasing consumer awareness of generic drugs.
Increasing adoption of e-commerce for pharmaceuticals: E-commerce is becoming increasingly popular for the purchase of pharmaceuticals in Cameroon. This is due to the convenience and affordability of online shopping, as well as the growing availability of e-commerce platforms in the country.
Government of Cameroon approves new regulations for pharmaceutical advertising: In August 2023, the government of Cameroon approved new regulations for pharmaceutical advertising. The new regulations aim to ensure that pharmaceutical advertising is truthful, balanced, and not misleading.
Cameroon signs agreement with India to strengthen pharmaceutical cooperation: In July 2023, Cameroon and India signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector. The agreement includes provisions for the exchange of expertise, training of personnel, and joint research and development projects.
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