Nationwide survey of the availability and affordability of asthma and COPD medicines in Nigeria

Abstract Objective(s) To determine the availability and affordability of asthma and COPD medicines across Nigeria. Methods This was a cross‐sectional survey conducted in 128 pharmacies (51 in public sector hospitals, 51 private sector community pharmacies and 26 charity or big private hospitals) across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria using the WHO/Health Action Initiative method. The proportion of pharmacies where medicines were available, the median retail prices of originator and generics and affordability were analysed. A medicine was available if found in ≥ 80% of surveyed pharmacies. Unaffordability was defined as paying> 1 day’s wage (> US$1.68) for a standard 30‐day supply of the medicine. Results The available medicines were oral corticosteroids and oral salbutamol which are not on the WHO Essential Medicine List. Medicines were found more frequently in private than public pharmacies and in the southern than northern zones. Inhalable corticosteroid was not available at any public pharmacy nationwide. None of the EML medicines were affordable. The least number of days’ wages for a 30‐day supply of any inhalable corticosteroid‐containing medication was 3.5 days. Conclusions There are very limited availability and affordability of recommended asthma and COPD medicines across Nigeria with disparity across regions. Medicines that were available and affordable are not recommended and are harmful for long‐term use. This underpins the need for engagement of all stakeholders for the review of existing policies regarding access to asthma and COPD medicines to improve availability and affordability.