The role of faith-based organizations in the pharmaceutical systems of low-and-middle-income countries – A scoping review

This scoping review examined 30 studies from 21 low- and middle-income countries—19 of them in Africa—to understand how faith-based organizations (FBOs) contribute to pharmaceutical systems. It found that FBOs help fill important gaps throughout the system, particularly through medicine donations, pooled procurement, revolving drug funds, quality and safety monitoring, workforce training, and operating pharmaceutical outlets. FBOs also promote access to medicines, encourage proper use and treatment adherence, and collaborate with governments and other partners. The authors conclude that FBOs are important pharmaceutical-system partners, but much stronger data and rigorous evaluation are needed to measure their outcomes and demonstrate their full impact. The article appeared in PLOS Global Public Health.