Kenya: High Price Keeps Key Antibiotics Out of Reach

Antibiotics

A global pill price snapshot has revealed that the price of a commonly used antibiotic ‘ciprofloxacin’ is beyond the reach of many people because of its high cost. In a survey done in 93 countries worldwide, 22 of which were in Africa, Health Action International (HAI) conducted the spot late last year to ascertain the full price which a patient would pay for ciprofloxacin, in their nearest private retail pharmacy. In Kenya, the price for a 14 day treatment course of ciprofloxacin ranges between US$ 3 (Kshs225`) for lowest priced generic and US$ 66 (Kshs 4950). With 46 percent of Kenya’s population living on less than a dollar a day, even the lowest price of US$3 is unaffordable to many Kenyans. Prices in public health facilities which are often subsidized and hence lower than private chemists were not surveyed.

HAI Africa warns that the huge price differential between the generic and originator brand ciprofloxacin (which is off-patent), is unjustified and only serves to limit choice and impede access. Medicines are often the largest health-related burden for poor families. Kenya spends an average of US$0.27 per person per year – way below the price for the lowest priced for one treatment course of the antibiotic surveyed. “This survey reveals the disturbing reality that many Kenyans cannot afford to access ciprofloxacin, an essential antibiotic used to treat a wide range of infections including diarrheal diseases, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and opportunistic infections in people living with HIV,” says Emma Wanyonyi of the Consumer Information Network. The survey reveals that on average, Africa pays a higher price for the ciprofloxacin originator brand US$45 compared to South East Asia US$17 the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region US$36 and the WHO European region US$44. Although the patent on ciprofloxacin expired a number of years ago, the price difference between the lowest priced generic and the originator brand (the ‘brand premium’) is significant in many countries.

HAI Africa wants government action on the findings to improve affordability of treatment, increase use of lower-priced generics and provision of essential medicines for free in the public sector and adequate financing and efficient supply systems to prevent stock-outs. The use of low priced generic medicines is a significant step towards improving access to treatment. Generic ciprofloxacin is mostly available at a much lower price than the originator brand product, and in many cases, there is ample room to reduce the generic price further, making treatment more affordable.

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