An absence of evidence breeds contempt: A qualitative study of health system stakeholder perceptions of the quality of medicines available in Senegal (Peer reviewed)

The study titled "An absence of evidence breeds contempt: A qualitative study of health system stakeholder perceptions of the quality of medicines available in Senegal" delves into the perceptions of medicine quality among stakeholders in Senegal. Poor-quality medicines pose significant challenges in low- to middle-income countries. The research indicates that the source of the medicine, whether from the country of manufacture or type (generic/brand), influences its perceived quality. The study, conducted through semi-structured interviews with 29 participants, revealed a preference for medicines manufactured in Europe and North America due to their perceived reliability. Conversely, medicines from India, China, and Nigeria were viewed with skepticism. Medicines from Senegal's unregulated markets were also perceived as low-quality due to inadequate storage conditions and questionable origins. However, medicines from regulated sectors, both public and private, were trusted due to stringent national regulations and secure supply chains.