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Barriers to Accessing Internationally Controlled Essential Medicines in Uganda: A Qualitative Study
Gaby Isabelle Ooms1, Paul Klatser2, Hendrika A van den Ham3
1Health Action International, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Access to essential controlled medicines in Uganda is hindered by social, cultural, and regulatory barriers. Strengthening the health system and stakeholder collaboration are crucial for improving availability and preventing misuse.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Health Systems Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Globally, billions lack access to essential controlled medicines, including opioids, anesthetics, and epilepsy treatments.
- Uganda faces significant challenges in accessing controlled medicines, with limited data on influencing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify social, cultural, and regulatory barriers affecting access to internationally controlled essential medicines in Uganda.
Main Methods:
- Conducted semistructured interviews with 15 key stakeholders knowledgeable about controlled medicines in Uganda.
- Analyzed interview transcripts using the Access to Medicines from a Health System Perspective framework.
Main Results:
- Identified barriers including lack of prioritization, access-control balance issues, and distribution system deficiencies.
- Other barriers included knowledge gaps, insufficient human resources, high costs, and stigma associated with controlled medicines.
- Concerns regarding the abuse of specific controlled medicines were also noted.
Conclusions:
- Improving access to essential controlled medicines in Uganda requires comprehensive health system strengthening.
- Active engagement and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are essential to ensure access and prevent abuse.
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