Factors contributing to human and veterinary medicine shortages in developing countries: perspectives of suppliers and regulators in Namibia

Stakeholders identified medicine shortages as resulting from interconnected systemic challenges encompassing procurement, regulatory, infrastructural, and market-based constraints. Key patterns emerged: Namibia's regional reclassification appears to have increased supply vulnerabilities; absence of formal procurement contracts has led to reliance on emergency mechanisms; and regulatory capacity limitations may compound supply challenges. These interconnected factors suggest the need for coordinated multi-domain interventions, though further research is needed to quantify these relationships. Findings may inform policy considerations for improving medicine security in similar resource-constrained settings.