For example, mental health medications which increase appetite as a side-effect are not sustainable in this context.

There is a high demand for medications for NCDs and cancer particularly, which is evident in the phenomenon of people travelling to buy medicines abroad. Magani is facilitating access in a new way, and will demonstrate that there is a need in-country for medicines.

However, one of the lead suppliers, Novo Nordisk, last year ceased supply without warning, resulting in stockouts, rationing, prioritisation of vulnerable groups. MSF Access continues to advocate and challenge the prioritisation of profit over lives by multinational pharmaceutical companies.

He also emphasised food insecurity in the context of ration cuts by the World Food Programme, which affects side-effects to certain medications. psychological distress and depression (risky coping mechanisms can expose people to NCDs).