Availability, cost and affordability of essential medicines for smoking cessation in low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Smoking cessation is more effective when supported by medicines. Data on the availability, cost and affordability of these treatments in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) are limited. Cross-sectional data for smoking cessation medications were collected from pharmacies, healthcare facilities and central medicine stores in 60 LMIC (2022-2023). Medications had varying availability, large price ranges and were essentially unaffordable. Enabling access to these medications is important in reducing tobacco consumption and associated disease. Strategies for integrating smoking cessation services into health systems are needed to reach Sustainable Development Goal targets.
Source: Thorax
Authors: Catherine Plum, Marie Stolbrink, Obianuju Ozoh, Shamanthi Jayasooriya, Rebecca Nightingale, Kevin Mortimer, David Halpin
Institutions: University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Stellenbosch University, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Medical Research Council, University of Cambridge, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Exeter
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funder: Wellcome Trust
OpenAlex ID: W4407088727