India has often been called the "pharmacy of the Global South," and for African countries, public health and Indian pharmaceuticals are deeply entwined.
Africa carries nearly a quarter of the global disease burden, with a disproportionate share of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria cases, according to data from data from public health agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and Nigeria's pharmaceutical regulatory agency, NAFDAC, India supplies roughly 40% of Africa's imported medicines, making it the continent's largest pharmaceutical trade partner.
From Nigeria to Kenya and South Africa, Indian generic drugs form the backbone of public healthcare systems.
Across the continent, they provide low-cost antibiotics, HIV antiretrovirals, malaria and tuberculosis drugs, insulin, blood pressure medicines and common painkillers used daily by millions.
