Ethypharm has launched caffeine citrate in Zambia, Ghana, and Kenya – a significant step towards reducing preterm infant mortality rates in these countries. The drug is widely used in neonatal intensive care units as a respiratory stimulant, particularly for managing apnea of prematurity, a condition where preterm infants experience pauses in breathing. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends caffeine citrate for the treatment of neonates and premature babies to improving the chances of survival for these vulnerable infants. For this ground-breaking launch for a healthy future for premature babies, Ethypharm brought on board experts in each of the countries to discuss neonatal management, share clinical experiences and explain the clinical and practical management of premature babies.
Supporting Preterm Infants from Birth to a Healthy Future – In Zambia, the launch was held in cooperation with the Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia and the Zambia Pediatric Association. According recent statistics by Macrotrends the country’s current infant mortality rate stands at 39.356 deaths per 1000 live births, and the introduction of caffeine citrate is expected to contribute significantly to reducing this figure.
In Ghana, the launch was moderated by Raymond Otu-Amanortey, Ethypharm Ghana’s representative. The launch event featured a welcome address by Robert Bruchet, Ethypharm’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, and a presentation by Dr. Barbara Lindberg, Senior Medical Marketing Director at Ethypharm. Additionally, the event included discussions on global trends in caffeine citrate usage and WHO-endorsed strategies for treating apnea of prematurity (AOP), as well as insights from Ghana’s treatment protocols. The unveiling of caffeine citrate was conducted by Raymond Otu-Amanortey. He also addressed the administration and availability of the drug in Ghana. The country has been making strides in improving neonatal care, with organizations like the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) seeking vendors for the delivery of medical oxygen equipment in multiple hospitals.
In Kenya, Ethypharm, in collaboration with CHAI and the Ministry of Health, has secured a game-changing price reduction for caffeine citrate, from Ksh 1.500 to Ksh 400 per ampoule. This price reduction, over 70%, will remove barriers to access, allowing more facilities to procure adequate quantities of the essential drug for neonates. CHAI and Ethypharm also donated Ksh 13.5 million worth of caffeine citrate to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to strengthen access.
Ethypharm’s General Manager for Middle East and North Africa, Rob Bruchet, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing neonatal care in Kenya and expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to increase access to caffeine citrate. The company is open to similar collaborations with other African governments, reflecting a broader commitment to advancing healthcare on the continent.
The launch of caffeine citrate in Zambia, Ghana, and Kenya is a significant milestone in the fight against neonatal mortality. The drug’s proven effectiveness in managing apnea of prematurity, coupled with Ethypharm’s commitment to making it accessible, offers hope for a healthier future for preterm infants in Zambia, Ghana, and Kenya.
