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Correspondence to Author:  Mariana Widmer,, 

WHO/SRH/MPH, Geneva, Switzerland.

Abstract:

Objective : To assess the quality of oxytocin and misoprostol products available in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. Methods : Samples of oxytocin injections and misoprostol tablets were collected from three different levels of the supply chain in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal from August to December 2021. The sampling process was done by personnel from the National Medicines Regulatory Authorities, employing a methodology and sampling plan aligned with WHO guidelines for conducting surveys on the quality of medicines. These samples were then transported under controlled conditions to qualified laboratories for quality assessment, where they underwent testing according to the specifications outlined in the 10th Edition of the International Pharmacopeia. Findings : A total of 196 samples of oxytocin and misoprostol were collected from 130 health facilities across the two countries. Analyses revealed that 30% of the oxytocin and 23% of the misoprostol samples did not meet the quality criteria at all levels of the supply chain in both countries. Furthermore, although oxytocin samples were stored in refrigerators, the absence of proper temperature monitoring equipment was a common finding. Conclusion : A substantial proportion of oxytocin and misoprostol products available in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal were found to be substandard. Investing in quality-assured medicines is crucial for delivering safe and effective healthcare, reducing overall healthcare costs, and securing the long-term success of universal health coverage in low-income countries.

Keywords :   postpartum haemorrhage, uterotonics, quality, West Africa

Citation:

Mariana Widmer. Quality assessment of oxytocin injection and misoprostol tablets in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. Annals of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2024.