Africa must manufacture its own contraceptives to achieve health sovereignty – Dr Sennen Hounton

The Regional Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for West and Central Africa, Dr Sennen Hounton, has called on African governments to invest in local manufacturing of contraceptives and essential medical products to reduce the continent’s dependence on external suppliers and strengthen health security.

According to the UNFPA Regional Director, Africa’s continued dependence on countries outside the continent for essential health commodities exposes weaknesses in its health systems and limits its ability to sustainably provide services to its growing population.

Dr Hounton said strengthening local production of health commodities must form part of Africa’s wider agenda to achieve health equity and ensure that people, including those in remote communities, have access to essential healthcare services.