Health implications of GSK's departure from Nigeria
Authors: Nicholas Aderinto, Gbolahan Olatunji, Emmanuel Kokori
Journal: The Lancet (2024)

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced plans to cease operations in Nigeria in the face of worsening economic conditions and declining revenues.1ReutersGlaxo SmithKline Consumer Nigeria to cease operations.https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-glaxo-smithkline-consumer-nigeria/brief-glaxo-smithkline-consumer-nigeria-to-cease-operations-idINFWN39K1O1Date: Aug 3, 2023Date accessed: August 4, 2023Google Scholar GSK's departure as a crucial pharmaceutical provider in Nigeria holds substantial implications for the country's health-care sector, including disruptions in disease management, treatment access, and immunisation efforts, and potentially puts patients at risk due to supply chain disruptions for medicines and vaccines.2Onu E Nigeria Forex shortage hurt drug and vaccine supplies, firm says.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-02/nigeria-forex-shortage-hurt-drug-and-vaccine-supplies-firm-saysDate: June 2, 2023Date accessed: August 4, 2023Google Scholar The absence of GSK-manufactured medications such as Amoxil (amoxicillin), Cervarix (a human papillomavirus vaccine), and Bexsero (a meningitis vaccine) could lead to treatment delays, worsened health outcomes, and an increased risk of cervical cancer.3GlaxoSmithKlineGSK products A–Z.https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/products/products-a-z/Date accessed: August 4, 2023Google Scholar The constrained supply chain for essential medicines and specialised treatments could also hinder public health initiatives, including disease control efforts (eg, managing meningitis). Uninterrupted treatment is crucial for chronic medical conditions. The short supply of drugs such as Seretide (salmeterol xinafoate–fluticasone propionate), which is widely used by patients with asthma in Nigeria, threatens ongoing care and could potentially cause slowed or reversed clinical progress.4Ozoh OB Dede S Eze J Mortimer K Chinouya M Nigerian doctors' experiences of guideline-based asthma management: a qualitative study.J Glob Health Rep. 2022; 6e2022067 PubMed Google Scholar Similarly, the sudden unavailability of antiretroviral drugs (eg, Dovato [dolutegravir–lamivudine]) could lead to treatment failure and an increased risk of HIV transmission. Collaborative efforts involving governmental bodies, stakeholders, and health-care professionals are needed to explore alternative treatments, manage existing medication stocks, negotiate import agreements, educate patients, and establish surveillance systems for swift interventions to ensure the continuity of care once GSK's operations cease. To address potential drug shortages, boosting domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing becomes paramount. Incentives to promote local production and streamline regulations could be key. Partnerships between the Nigerian Government and international pharmaceutical firms could maintain a steady supply of essential medications.2Onu E Nigeria Forex shortage hurt drug and vaccine supplies, firm says.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-02/nigeria-forex-shortage-hurt-drug-and-vaccine-supplies-firm-saysDate: June 2, 2023Date accessed: August 4, 2023Google Scholar Regulatory oversight and careful inventory management are crucial to avoid medication shortages. Regulatory bodies should expedite approvals for alternative suppliers, and health-care providers should proactively manage medication stocks to address supply chain gaps. GSK's departure has wider implications and affects public health initiatives that rely on the company's contributions. The discontinuation of medications such as Cervarix raises concerns about preventable disease resurgence.3GlaxoSmithKlineGSK products A–Z.https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/products/products-a-z/Date accessed: August 4, 2023Google Scholar Medicine scarcity could lead to treatment alterations, resource reallocation, and challenges with patient adherence. The void left by GSK's exit might raise the costs of drugs and vaccines, which will affect the accessibility of health-care services for people in need. Proactive measures are essential to mitigate the effects of GSK's departure. We declare no competing interests.