East African countries plan joint drug procurement to avoid high prices; Kenya hits anti-virals shortage

Member states of the East African Community (EAC) plan to jointly procure drugs to avoid high prices and counterfeit drugs, Uganda's First Deputy Prime Minister, Eriya Kategaya, has revealed. Mr Kategaya, speaking at a meeting in Kampala last week which included Kenyan Health Minister Beth Mugo, director general of ESCA health community Hellen Igombeko and other officials, said procurement of drugs in bulk would resolve challenges associated with procurement and supply chains of essential medicines, reports New Vision.

"These are initiatives which can be strengthened and expanded to cover the central and southern African regions," he said, opening a five-day conference for the 14 member states of east, central and southern African health community (ECSA) at the Serena Hotel in Kampala.

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