Access to Medicines for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDS) during COVID-19 in Kenya: A Descriptive Commentary

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Systems Research

Background:

• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes and mortality.
• In Kenya, NCDs contributed to approximately 50% of COVID-19 related deaths.
• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing challenges in healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the challenges in accessing essential non-communicable disease (NCD) medicines in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify systemic gaps in NCD service delivery, information systems, and medicine supply chains.
• To inform policy recommendations for a more equitable healthcare system.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive narrative approach was employed.
• Key stakeholders involved in NCD service delivery and decision-making in Kenya were engaged.
• Data collection involved stakeholder consultations and assessment of county-level services.

Main Results:

• Access to NCD medicines was hindered by challenges at service delivery, health information system, and supply chain levels.
• While the Ministry of Health issued guidelines, their implementation varied significantly across counties.
• Heterogeneity in county responses was observed, with limited adoption of mHealth technologies and inconsistent patient outreach systems.
• The pandemic amplified pre-existing weaknesses in supply chain robustness and health information systems.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted critical vulnerabilities in Kenya's NCD medicine access.
• Sub-optimal health information systems and fragile supply chains require urgent attention.
• Policy interventions are needed to strengthen NCD service delivery and ensure equitable access, particularly for low-income patients.