Strategic Analysis of the Healthcare Industry in Zambia

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Strategic Analysis of the Healthcare Industry in Zambia provides an in-depth examination of growth forecasts, competitor analysis and market dynamics. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following markets: generic drugs, branded pharmaceuticals, medical imaging and infectious disease diagnostics.

Market Overview

Increased Uptake of Low-cost Rapid Diagnostic Tool Kits to Boost the Zambian Infectious Disease Testing Market

The infectious disease diagnostics market in Zambia presents significant opportunities for manufacturers of low-cost diagnostic products. Infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and Malaria, are receiving heightened attention from donors. However, under-developed laboratory infrastructure is hindering programmes such as anti-retroviral treatment (ART) rollout. Although rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) kits are still relatively new in Zambia, these low-cost products are expected to spur the market for diagnostics and ensure the continued expansion of mass rollout programmes.

"The increased uptake of low-cost RDT kits will drive the infectious disease diagnostics market," notes the analyst of this research. "This, in turn, will create a positive knock-on effect on ART roll-out." Growth in the diagnostics market is expected to be driven by the enhanced availability of low-cost diagnostic kits. Higher levels of donor funding will also promote market expansion.

Laboratory infrastructure in Zambia is under-developed and this, coupled with limited funding, means conventional laboratory tests are not accurate and feasible. Thus, for the market to grow to a significant extent, low-cost alternatives (in the form of RDT kits) would be the viable option. Uptake of these devices in Zambia, however, depends mostly on donor funding, which is expected to continue rising.

Under-developed laboratory infrastructure, lack of skilled personnel and shortage of funding are the most significant restraints to market growth. "Poor infrastructure and lack of skilled personnel leads to inaccurate results and consequently lack of trust from physicians," cautions the analyst. "This lack of trust will severely hinder market growth."

Developing diagnostic products for low income countries, such as RDT kits, that can be utilised at primary care settings and investing in human resource capacity will be critical to gain competitive success.