A Scoping Review of National Medicine Policy in Senegal: An East African Perspective

National medicine policy is a fundamental element of a health system, aiming to ensure access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines. Senegal’s policy framework, developed over time, offers a pertinent case for examination within the East African regional context. Analysing its evolution, implementation, and challenges can inform regional health systems strengthening. This scoping review aims to map and synthesise available literature on Senegal’s national medicine policy from an East African perspective. Its objectives are to describe the policy’s key components, identify reported facilitators and barriers to its implementation, and analyse dominant themes and gaps in the existing evidence. A scoping review was conducted following established methodological frameworks. A systematic search was performed across multiple electronic databases for relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature. Included documents were screened, with data extracted and analysed thematically. The identified literature reveals a contrast between policy intent and practical implementation. A central theme is the challenge of translating policy into reliable medicine availability, with supply chain logistics frequently cited as a critical barrier. A common finding was the reported prevalence of stock-outs of essential medicines in public health facilities, significantly impeding access. While Senegal’s medicine policy provides a coherent framework, its effectiveness is constrained by systemic implementation challenges familiar to the region. The review highlights how contextual factors, sustainable financing, and effective monitoring are crucial for realising policy objectives. Policy efforts should prioritise strengthening supply chain resilience and securing sustainable domestic financing for essential medicines. Further primary research is required to evaluate the equity and economic impact of existing policies. Enhanced regional collaboration within East Africa could facilitate shared learning and harmonised approaches where appropriate. medicine policy, pharmaceuticals, Senegal, East Africa, health systems, scoping review This review consolidates and analyses the evidence on Senegal’s national medicine policy, offering a synthesised perspective for regional stakeholders and identifying critical evidence gaps for future research.