Kenya Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market Analysis

Kenya Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market Analysis: Executive Summary

The Kenya Asthma and COPD Therapeutics Market is at around US $23 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach US $38 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.30% during the forecast period.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic respiratory conditions affecting the airways, leading to difficulties in breathing. Asthma is characterized by inflammation and constriction of the airways, caused by irritants, allergens, or physical exertion. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, with risk factors such as respiratory infections and a family history of asthma. Similarly, COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both causing obstruction of the airways. Smoking is the principal risk factor for COPD, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, increased mucus production, and a persistent cough. Treatment for both conditions commonly includes bronchodilators to relieve congested airways and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation. Pharmaceutical companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and Boehringer Ingelheim are routinely providing treatments for both COPD and asthma.

The prevalence of chronic respiratory conditions is on the rise in Kenya, with asthma estimated to affect around 8% of the population, while the prevalence of COPD is approximately 5%. The market is being fuelled by factors such as the rising prevalence of Asthma and COPD, supportive healthcare policies, increased awareness, and others. However, high costs of treatments and challenges in the Kenyan healthcare system are a few factors that limit the market's potential.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rising prevalence: According to estimates, the overall prevalence of asthma is around 8%, accounting for nearly 4 million Kenyans. Subsequently, COPD is known to affect 5% of the adult population. Both COPD and asthma are on the rise in Kenya, influenced by factors such as air pollution, urbanization, and smoking, which drive market growth.

Supportive healthcare policies: The Kenyan government has instituted several healthcare policies and initiatives with the goal of enhancing access to treatment for chronic conditions such as COPD and asthma. Notably, the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program has been introduced to ensure affordable healthcare for all citizens.

Growing awareness: Increasing awareness of COPD and asthma in Kenya has resulted in heightened efforts to seek diagnosis and treatment. This trend is propelled by public health initiatives, and improved accessibility to healthcare services in Kenya, allowing market growth.

Market Restraints

High cost of treatment: The extended care of COPD and asthma involves the use of medications and devices, imposing a substantial financial strain on Kenyan individuals due to their low disposable income levels and healthcare systems alike. The cost related to newer and more effective medications is substantial, and not everyone possesses sufficient insurance coverage to address these expenses. This situation results in non-adherence to medication and contributes to suboptimal health outcomes in Kenya.

Health system challenges: Kenya is struggling with a severe shortage of pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, constraining the available options for diagnosis and treatment. Inadequate diagnostic equipment, such as spirometers, and treatment facilities are particularly evident in hospitals and clinics, especially in rural areas. Additionally, access to crucial medications is often inconsistent and unreliable, particularly for specialized or newer therapies, which restricts market growth.

Others: The escalating levels of air pollution in Kenya are adding to the growing prevalence of respiratory diseases, placing additional burden on the healthcare system.

Healthcare Policies and Regulatory Landscape

Kenya's healthcare policy and regulatory framework are complex, involving multiple governing bodies and processes for obtaining licenses. The Ministry of Health (MoH) serves as the primary authority, responsible for formulating healthcare policies, regulations, and standards. The MoH oversees healthcare establishments, licenses healthcare practitioners, and regulates pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority plays a vital role in procuring and distributing essential medicines and medical supplies to public health facilities nationwide, ensuring the affordability and accessibility of fundamental healthcare services.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) regulates pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and cosmetics to ensure their efficacy and safety. The PPB issues licenses for the production, importation, sale, and distribution of various goods. Companies must register their products with the PPB before marketing or use in Kenya, involving a comprehensive process that includes submitting documentation, reviewing clinical trial data, and assessment by PPB specialists.

Both the public and private healthcare sectors in the country offer diverse opportunities for companies operating within the healthcare industry.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

• GlaxoSmithKline
• Novartis
• AstraZeneca
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
• Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals
• F. Hoffman La Roche
• Cipla Limited
• Merck & Co
• Pfizer
• Abbott Laboratories