Oncology Drug Production in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Challenge and Opportunity, with Evidence from India

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the scope for local production in East Africa of essential oncology medication, drawing on evidence of local clinical need; on Indian data on markets for generic oncology medication; and on industrial and regulatory experience. Import-dependence in oncology is almost complete across Sub-Saharan Africa, while India is a key exporter. The chapter documents competition failures in generic oncology markets and demonstrates the huge affordability impact of effective procurement of these medicines within India. Challenges for local oncology manufacturing are identified. The chapter argues that active health-industrial research linkages can build a local African oncology industry.