African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | 28 January 2026
A Scoping Review of National Medicine Policy in Comoros: An East African Perspective,
M, o, u, i, g, n, i, B, a, r, a, k, a
Abstract
National medicine policies are essential for equitable access to and rational use of medicines. Within East Africa, the development and implementation of these policies vary. The Union of the Comoros, a small island developing state in the region, presents a distinct context, but its medicine policy landscape has not been comprehensively mapped within regional scholarship. This scoping review aimed to systematically map and synthesise available literature on national medicine policy in Comoros from an East African perspective. Its objectives were to identify key themes, documented gaps, implementation challenges, and to situate these findings within the broader regional context. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. A systematic search was conducted across multiple electronic databases and grey literature sources. Published and unpublished documents in English and French were considered. Data were charted and analysed thematically. The search yielded a limited but informative body of literature. A prominent theme was a significant reliance on external donor funding and technical assistance for policy development and medicine supply. Policy implementation was frequently hampered by systemic weaknesses, including fragmented supply chains and workforce capacity constraints. No empirical results from primary studies were identified, underscoring a notable evidence gap. The national medicine policy environment in Comoros is characterised by ongoing development efforts within a context of considerable external dependency and systemic challenges. The scarcity of primary research represents a critical barrier to evidence-informed policy strengthening. Priorities include conducting primary research to evaluate policy impact, strengthening local institutional capacity for policy analysis and implementation, and fostering greater regional collaboration for knowledge exchange and resource mobilisation within East Africa. Essential medicines, health policy, pharmaceutical policy, Comoros, East Africa, scoping review This review provides the first structured synthesis of the national medicine policy landscape in Comoros from a regional perspective, clarifying known challenges and evidence gaps to inform future research and policy action.