Availability of essential medicines in a country in conflict: A quantitative insight from Yemen
Author | Ibrahim, Mohamed Izham Mohamed |
Author | Alshakka, M. |
Author | Al-Abd, N. |
Author | Bahattab, A. |
Author | Badulla, W. |
Available date | 2022-04-10T10:25:31Z |
Publication Date | 2021 |
Publication Name | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
Resource | Scopus |
Identifier | http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010175 |
Abstract | Background: Medicine and medical supplies are often in short supply in countries suffering from the scourge of conflict. Effective medicine supply policies are lacking in many low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly during conflict. This study aimed to assess the availability of essential medicines in both the public and private healthcare sectors. Methods: The study was conducted by administering a survey from November 2017 to February 2018 using the World Health Organization/Health Action International (WHO/HAI) guidelines and methodology. Thirty healthcare facilities in thirteen districts from three governorates in Yemen were included in the assessment of thirty essential medicines. The results were reported as frequencies and percentages of outlets with available medicines on the day of data collection. Results: A set of 30 vital and essential medicines were selected from the list of essential medicines that are used in healthcare centers in Yemen to treat prevalent diseases. In general, only 52.8% of the selected medicines were available in public and private healthcare settings. The distribution and availability of medicines in the three governorates were approximately equal. The availability of medicines was better in the private healthcare settings, specifically 73.3% in private hospitals and approximately 79.7% in private pharmacies. Conclusions: The availability of essential medicines during this state of conflict in three governorates in Yemen is low, in both public and private hospitals and healthcare centers. Many of the medications that were not available are used to treat chronic illnesses. |
Sponsor | Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not for profit sectors. The publication of this article was funded by the Qatar National Library. |
Language | en |
Publisher | MDPI AG |
Subject | Accessibility Availability Conflict Essential medicines Low-and middle-income countries Vital medicines Yemen |
Type | Article |
Pagination | 13-01 |
Issue Number | 1 |
Volume Number | 18 |
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Pharmacy Research [1243 items ]