Africa's fight against insulin deficit

Eva Pharma, a leading pharmaceutical company, is on a mission to revolutionize the way insulin is accessed in Africa, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where the deficit in insulin availability is staggering. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Ridhima Shukla sat down with Riad Armanious, CEO of Eva Pharma, to discuss the groundbreaking efforts being made to address the critical issue of insulin access in the region. The key theme that emerged from the interview was the urgent need to make life-saving insulin more accessible and affordable for diabetic patients across Africa. Armanious highlighted the stark reality that one in every 22 adults in Africa is a type 1 diabetic, emphasizing the critical importance of ensuring a stable and affordable supply of insulin. According to Armanious, historical data reveals a mortality rate of a staggering 80% among diabetics in Africa, a figure reminiscent of pre-insulin discovery mortality rates over a century ago. This alarming statistic underscores the pressing need for improved access to insulin in the region. In a monumental move towards addressing the insulin shortfall in Africa, Eva Pharma recently inked a milestone agreement with Eli Lilly to establish a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing 90 million vials and 50 million cartridges annually. This significant increase in insulin production capacity is poised to meet a substantial portion of the region's demand for the life-saving medication. Armanious emphasized the company's commitment to ensuring widespread access to insulin, stressing that availability goes beyond manufacturing the product; it is crucial to ensure that insulin reaches all those in need. The CEO revealed that Eva Pharma's primary goal is to collaborate with various stakeholders to facilitate the distribution of insulin across Africa. One of the major obstacles exacerbating the insulin shortage in Sub-Saharan Africa is the lack of access and the high cost of insulin. Armanious pointed out that many individuals are forced to compromise on the amount of insulin they can afford, which can have detrimental effects on their health and well-being. The CEO clarified that the facility's capacity to produce 90 million vials, each containing multiple doses, will significantly drive down the cost of insulin for consumers. Eva Pharma aims to work with health insurance providers and governments to ensure that basic diabetes care, including insulin, is covered and affordable for all. By leveraging American-made insulin and partnering with Eli Lilly, Eva Pharma is committed to offering insulin at the lowest possible price while maintaining high quality standards. Armanious disclosed that Eva Pharma invested over $100 million in establishing the insulin manufacturing facility, aligning with European Medicines Agency standards and WHO pre-qualification requirements. This investment underscores the company's dedication to producing high-quality insulin that meets global standards. The interview also delved into the role of the WHO and the African Medicines Agency (AMA) in expediting the approval and accessibility of locally manufactured insulin across African nations. Armanious highlighted the importance of WHO pre-qualification in accelerating the approval process for African-made insulin, advocating for harmonized systems and swift market entry. The CEO emphasized the need for proactive efforts in capacity-building for diabetes diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe complications. Armanious stressed that the goal is not just to manufacture insulin locally, but also to ensure that adequate diagnosis and treatment capacity are in place to address the complexities of diabetes effectively. The interview underscored Eva Pharma's commitment to reshaping the landscape of insulin access in Africa and heralded a new era of hope for diabetic patients in the region.