Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, delivered the opening address at the African Ministerial Conference on Local Pharmaceutical Production and Health Technologies in Algiers, highlighting the critical role of local manufacturing in strengthening health systems across the continent.
Janabi emphasized that enhancing pharmaceutical production is not merely a choice but a responsibility for African nations. He noted that many countries on the continent currently import over 70% of their pharmaceutical needs from a $50 billion market, the majority of which comes from outside Africa.
He further stressed that developing local production capabilities is the only reliable way to respond effectively to epidemics. However, Janabi acknowledged that low-income African countries continue to face significant challenges in producing their own medicines. He expressed hope that all African nations could benefit from Algeria’s experience in building its local pharmaceutical industry.
