This presentation will introduce the global nature and the complexity of supply chains as a key commercial determinant of health, focusing on their pivotal role in the pharmaceutical industry and the critical issue of drug shortages. We will explore how supply chain disruptions lead to drug shortages, illustrated by recent case studies and evidence, and highlight the interconnectedness of global supply chains. We will explore the inequities in supply chains, and their disproportionate impact on low- and middle-income countries that face greater challenges in securing a stable supply of essential drugs. The wide-ranging consequences of supply chain breakdowns, including increased harm, higher healthcare costs, and exacerbation of existing health disparities, will be examined. Finally, we will discuss potential solutions and strategies to strengthen supply chains, policy recommendations, and the importance of international collaboration to ensure a more resilient and equitable supply chain system.
Speakers
- Mina Tadrous, Senior Advisor, WHO Division of Access to Medicines and Health Products
- Lisa Hedman, Assistant Professor, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Tier 2 Canada Research Chair, Real-world Evidence and Pharmaceutical Policy