From 24 to 26 March 2026, the PPRI Africa Network held its second in-person meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, kindly hosted by the National Department of Health South Africa (NdoH). The meeting marked another important milestone for the network, following its launch at the beginning of 2025.
In just one year, PPRI Africa has developed into a strong and growing network with 14 African countries, Africa CDC and WHO African Region as its members. This was clearly reflected during the meeting, which demonstrated great momentum, commitment, and collaborative spirit among its members. Bringing together authorities responsible for pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement across Africa, the network continues to provide a platform for exchange, shared learning, and discussion of common challenges. Sound policies in this area are key to supporting sustainable health systems and improving access to medicines.
The first day focused on reflecting on the network’s first year and the progress made so far. It highlighted how quickly PPRI Africa has established itself as a platform for cooperation across the continent. New members from Namibia, Mauritius, Egypt, and the WHO African Region were welcomed, further strengthening the network. The program then focused on policies for high-priced medicines, combining presentations with interactive poster sessions that provided insights into national experiences and challenges. In the afternoon, representatives from South African organisations joined and presented different parts of the pharmaceutical system, from regulation and production to logistics, access, and pricing policies.
A highlight of the second day was the visit to the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) facility. The visit offered a practical look at an innovative approach that allows stable chronic patients to collect medicines closer to home, reducing waiting times at healthcare facilities. The day concluded with a visit to the Nelson Mandela House in Soweto.
The final day focused on price negotiations, particularly for high-priced medicins. Following a training session delivered by the PPRI Africa Secretariat, participants engaged in mock negotiations to exchange perspectives. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from representatives of the Belgian Embassy and the acting Director-General of the NDoH South Africa, as well as a video message from the Honorable Minister of Health of South Africa, highlighting the importance of collaboration in pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement policies.
Throughout the meeting, participants exchanged experiences, explored challenges, and shared practical approaches to pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement - all with the common goal of improving equitable access to medicines. We are grateful for the strong engagement of our members and the collaboration that has developed. Our special thanks go to the National Department of Health South Africa for hosting the meeting and to colleagues from TESS Mav+ for their continuous support.
For more information on the PPRI Africa network, read here: https://ppri.goeg.at/Regional_PPRI_networks
Photo credits: GÖG / Team Europe