Category: Big Pharmaceuticals

The Moroccan company Moldiag’s production of Africa’s first mpox tests stands as a refreshing contrast to the traditional narrative of reliance on high-income nations for medical supplies. Amid a history of global inequities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, this effort underscores the importance of South-South partnerships and self-reliance in addressing public health challenges. Moldiag, founded out of Morocco’s Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation and Research, exemplifies the shift toward localized solutions that prioritize affordability, accessibility, and responsiveness to regional needs….

Mpox: A Public Health Emergency of International Concern As the world continues to grapple with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new public health threat is emerging: Mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa CDC have declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern, urging the global community to take immediate action. Yet, the specter of vaccine hoarding by high-income countries looms large, threatening to repeat the injustices witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. A History of…

South Africa is running out of insulin pens due to Novo Nordisk’s decision not to renew its contract, focusing instead on more profitable weight- loss drugs. The shift to vials represents a step backward in diabetes care. Vials and syringes are harder to use and less precise, raising concerns about medication adherence and long-term complications. The situation underscores a broader issue: the prioritization of profit over equitable healthcare access, leaving vulnerable populations in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) struggling…