Addressing the Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa Through Improved Regulation of Medical Products

Addressing the Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa Through Improved Regulation of Medical Products

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing cause of death and disability in Africa, reducing individual and collective productivity and increasing health care costs. The African region is expected to experience the greatest increase in NCD deaths over the coming decade. Demand is growing for essential medicines and devices to treat and manage heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic diseases. This brief, developed for the 2016 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum, discusses the rise of NCDs in Africa, the importance of strengthening regulatory mechanisms for improved access to medicines and medical devices to address them, and the role of trade in improving these processes.