Survey Results on the Risk-Based Quality of Selected Medicines Available in ECOWAS Countries in Mali

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Medicines are not ordinary commercial products. In most cases, consumers are unable to decide when and how to use drugs and weigh the potential benefits against the risks, because no drug is completely safe. The use of ineffective, poor quality and harmful drugs leads to treatment failure, exacerbation of disease, drug resistance and sometimes even death. It also contributes to reducing consumer confidence in health systems, healthcare providers, manufacturers and distributors of pharmaceutical products.

Methods: The survey focused on establishments identified in cross-border areas selected by the ECOWAS PMS technical working group. These can be manufacturers, importers, central purchasing bodies, wholesalers, hospital distribution centers, health centers, retail outlets. It took place from September to November 2022 and aimed to conduct quality risk-based post-marketing survey of antimalarials, antibiotics and COVID-19 drugs circulating at selected distribution levels in Mali.

Results: A total of 33 samples were taken and analyzed according to a risk-based protocol, of which 27 were compliant with a rate of 82% against 06 were non-compliant or 22%. Non-compliant drugs were from both the public and private sectors. We found that 79% of drugs were unregistered among which antimicrobials were the least registered drugs with a rate of 73% and came mainly from India and China.

Conclusion: This study with its cross-border character allowed us to take samples in certain areas often not covered by routine PMS. It allowed us to detect 6 non-compliant products that were withdrawn from the market and regulatory measures were taken to ensure health and guarantee access to quality medicines for health and the well-being of populations.