Ethiopia launches drive to boost drug production

The Ethiopian government is offering tax and loan incentives to encourage local pharmaceutical production in a bid to reduce drug costs, boost jobs, improve economic growth and enhance foreign exchange inflow.

Ethiopia has always relied on pharmaceutical imports or international manufacturers with a footprint in the country to meet a growing demand for medicine.

The country has an increasing requirement of antibiotics, as well as anti-infective drugs, given the high incidences of communicable diseases in the country and an ever-growing population. This in turn is fuelling the need for chronic care medication. As a result, several initiatives are to be rolled out to improve the quality of healthcare in the country.