Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management Challenges in Developing Countries: A Systematic Literature Review

Mustafa Alfaouri, Ayham A.M. Jaaron and Eghosa Igudia

Journal of African Business, 2025, vol. 26, issue 4, 798-841

Abstract: This study conducts a systematic literature review to explore the critical challenges facing pharmaceutical supply chains in developing countries. Adopting a systematic literature review research design, a comprehensive search was conducted across Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2005 and March 2022. A total of 100 articles were selected from an initial pool of 2,835 records. The analysis reveals significant challenges including counterfeit medicines, frequent stock-outs, workforce shortages, inadequate infrastructure, poor storage conditions, technical and financial constraints, weak distribution networks, policy-related obstacles, and insufficient data systems. These challenges collectively compromise the availability, quality, and accessibility of essential medicines across multiple stages of the global pharmaceutical supply chain. Our findings also delineate affected stages of the pharmaceutical supply chain and propose strategies for mitigation. The paper provides insights to inform strategic intervention and policy recommendations aimed at improving efficiency of global pharmaceutical supply chains.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/15228916.2025.2532943

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