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Transforming Medicine Access in Africa’s Small Island Developing States
In the island nations of Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles, Cabo Verde, Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe-collectively identified as Africa’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS)-a significant evolution in the availability of essential medicines is underway.
Global Recognition for a Groundbreaking Regional Initiative
This transformative progress recently garnered international recognition when African SIDS were honored with the 2025 UN SIDS Partnership Award in the Economic category at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The accolade celebrates their innovative Pooled Procurement Initiative, a collaborative effort supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) that is revolutionizing access to vital medications across these island nations.
Uniting Strengths to Overcome Unique Healthcare Challenges
Small island communities often face distinct obstacles in healthcare delivery, including geographic isolation, elevated shipping expenses, and limited bargaining power with pharmaceutical suppliers. The award symbolizes more than institutional achievement; it marks a meaningful enhancement in healthcare accessibility and affordability for everyday citizens.
The Power of Collective Purchasing
The Pooled Procurement Initiative, the sole operational mechanism of its kind within the WHO African Region, brings together six African SIDS alongside Madagascar to jointly negotiate and acquire essential medicines. By aggregating their demand, these countries have unlocked purchasing power previously unattainable for individual small island economies.
Economic and Operational Impact
The UN panel praised the initiative as “a trailblazing African collaboration showcasing measurable economic benefits, robust governance, and transformative regional unity.” Since its inception, the mechanism has yielded impressive, independently validated outcomes. The inaugural international tender is projected to reduce factory prices by an average of 56% across 47 essential medicine formulations, with savings ranging from 3% to an extraordinary 94%. Early orders have already generated substantial financial benefits, including approximately 26% cost reductions in Seychelles and 13% in Mauritius.
Streamlining Procurement and Supplier Engagement
Beyond cost savings, the initiative has standardized procurement processes by creating a harmonized list of 67 priority medicines. This unified approach attracted bids from 37 global suppliers, culminating in the selection of six suppliers representing five different countries, thereby enhancing competition and supply reliability.
Long-Term Financial Projections and Efficiency Gains
A 2022 evaluation estimates that the pooled procurement mechanism could save around US$34 million over five years. These projections exclude additional efficiencies such as reduced tendering expenses, shorter delivery times, lower freight costs, and decreased administrative burdens related to supplier management.
Ensuring Sustainability Through Local Leadership
To cement the initiative’s longevity, the Secretariat’s management is transitioning from WHO to the Government of Mauritius, reinforcing regional ownership and accountability. This handover represents one of the most impactful health system advancements for African island nations in recent years.
Collaborative Support Driving Capacity Building
Key contributions from the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Partnership, the European Union, and other stakeholders have bolstered procurement infrastructure, enhanced technical expertise, and facilitated the Secretariat’s transition. These efforts exemplify how political will combined with collective action can dramatically improve health outcomes and economic efficiency in small island contexts.
A Model of Regional Solidarity and Scalable Solutions
The recognition at the UN highlights the remarkable achievements of African SIDS, proving that even the smallest health systems can implement impactful, scalable solutions through cooperation and shared vision.
About the UN SIDS Partnership Awards
The UN SIDS Partnership Awards honor outstanding collaborations that advance sustainable development within Small Island Developing States. Recipients are chosen based on innovation, demonstrable impact, transparency, and alignment with the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).
