The Dangers of Auto/Self Medication: A Lethal Practice in Cameroon
As healthcare costs soar globally, more people in less-developed countries are resorting to the exceedingly dangerous practice of auto/self medication. Nowhere is this practice more rampant than in Cameroon, where the World Health Organization estimates that 1 out of 3 people self-medicate.
With no access to basic healthcare, Cameroonians (like many Africans) are resorting to this life-threatening practice that not only causes adverse reactions but also exacerbates already existing health conditions. Sadly, this practice comes at a high cost as not only does it expose individuals to greater health risks, but it also hampers economic growth due to reduced productivity.
Thankfully, Opened Hands Inc. has investigated the issue in Cameroon (Africa), and the findings highlight the severity of this life-threatening practice. The NGO, whose mission is to improve access to healthcare, especially in less-developed countries, has urged the government to take a more proactive role in raising awareness on the dangers of auto/self medication.
Although there are many reasons for the rise in auto/self medication, perhaps the most common are unaffordable healthcare costs and lack of access to essential medicines. With the COVID-19 pandemic decimating economies worldwide, this issue has only gotten worse. As governments struggle to provide essential services to their citizens, people are left to fend for themselves, hence leading to an increase in this life-threatening practice.
According to a spokesperson for Opened Hands Inc., “the aim of our latest investigation was to identify the main drivers of auto/self medication and the long-term consequences. We discovered that inadequate government policies, lack of basic healthcare infrastructure, and poor healthcare financing arrangements are the main reasons for the rise in auto/self medication.”
The findings from Opened Hands’ research indicate that the healthcare system in Cameroon is seriously insufficient, leading to a high prevalence of self-medicating practices. This trend, if left unaddressed, could lead to further health complications for Cameroonians in the long run.
Governments around the world must take a proactive role in addressing issues related to healthcare financing, infrastructure, and capacity building to ensure that every citizen can access quality healthcare services. In Cameroon, the government should consider increasing access to essential medicines by reducing tariffs and financing healthcare infrastructure projects that would strengthen essential healthcare facilities.
All in all, it is clear that auto/self medication is a lethal practice that must be urgently addressed. While Opened Hands has played its part in identifying the root causes of this deadly practice, it is up to governments to act swiftly to save the lives of their citizens.