Africa’s Medicine Safety Gap: Why Regulation Matters

When drugs are substandard or fake, patients get no cure, suffer side effects, or develop resistant infections. This weakens health systems and makes people lose trust in care.

The review looked at studies and reports from 2000 to 2025. Researchers searched big databases and WHO, World Bank, AU and national regulator sources. They found 633 items, read 122 full texts and kept 38 that fit the rules.

Results show big differences across countries. Some regulators hit WHO maturity level 3, meaning they are strong, while many stay at lower levels. New tools like digital platforms, regional sharing and the African Medicines Agency are helping, but gaps remain.

To fix this, national agencies must be raised to WHO level 3 or higher. That needs steady funding, clear laws and cooperation across borders. Stronger rules will protect patients, cut waste and slow antimicrobial resistance.