Towards Pharmaceutical Independence: Producing Infusions in Africa

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However, the dedicated doctor continues to procure majority of the hospital’s medications from Europe – and this at very high prices. Dr Dovi-Akué explains, “There are only a few generic manufacturers here. Also, the proportion of counterfeit medications in West Africa is increasing rapidly.”

His vision is to produce pharmaceuticals that are in high demand. This is why he founded Do Pharma SA in 2006. The company is planning to manufacture intravenous solutions for the West African market. Apart from Togo, this includes countries such as Burkina Faso, Benin, Ghana, Mali and Niger. “I have decided to enter an area where no one is operating yet. Currently, no intravenous solutions are being manufactured in West Africa,” he says.

From Finance to Infusions: A Long Road

Intravenous therapy aids the healing process by providing patients with important drugs and nutrients. All illnesses that entail water loss require infusions. In West Africa, these primarily include diarrhea, malaria, and aids. “Per person, roughly one to two liters of infusion per day are necessary,” says Dr Dovi-Akué. “But in West Africa not even one-fifth of that is available.”

However, before starting production, the company had to face many challenges. Financing the machines proved to be particularly difficult. Dr Dovi- Akué summarizes, “The interest rates at local banks are around 12 per cent; investors are not lining up, either.”

Production Equipment for Africa

For several years, he negotiated with various potential business partners. Despite the adverse circumstances, he managed to procure the necessary production equipment. Bottling and sterilization are crucial processes to ensure a maximum degree of product quality for intravenous solutions. This is why Dr Dovi-Akué considered it mandatory to procure the necessary equipment from manufacturers in industrialized nations.

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