A Critical Intervention Study of East African Medicine Policy: Implications for the Central African Republic

Medicine policy in East Africa has undergone reform, but its applicability to other regional contexts like the Central African Republic (CAR) is poorly understood. The CAR's health system faces distinct challenges, including infrastructure deficits and access inequities, which may affect policy transfer. This intervention study critically analyses the relevance and potential adaptation of East African medicine policy frameworks for the CAR. Its primary objective is to assess the feasibility of implementing key policy components and to identify necessary contextual modifications. A mixed-methods approach was employed. This combined a structured policy document analysis of East African frameworks with qualitative fieldwork in the CAR. Fieldwork included key informant interviews with policymakers and healthcare providers, alongside focus group discussions to gauge community perspectives on medicine access and regulation. The analysis revealed a predominant theme of systemic misalignment. While certain regulatory principles were transferable, critical aspects of East African policy, particularly concerning supply chain logistics and financing mechanisms, were poorly suited to the CAR's infrastructure. Findings emphasised the need for simplified, decentralised models of drug distribution. Direct transplantation of East African medicine policy to the CAR is not feasible without substantial adaptation. Success depends on developing flexible, locally resonant strategies that address the CAR's specific systemic constraints. Policymakers should prioritise a hybrid framework integrating adaptable East African regulatory standards with bespoke, simplified implementation protocols for the CAR. Investment in foundational health system strengthening is a critical prerequisite. medicine policy, health systems, policy transfer, Central African Republic, intervention study, access to medicines This study provides a critical, evidence-based assessment of cross-regional health policy transfer, offering a structured framework for contextual adaptation in resource-constrained settings.