COVID-19 has put a spotlight on health product supply chains, highlightingthe challenges in multiple steps in the global supply chain. This paper seeks tounderstand the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain of a subset of essentialmedicines. It identifies the main categories of b lockages in the global supply chaincreated by COVID-19, then uses data on trade flows, wholesalers, and pharmacompanies, and from surveys, to track the impact.

There was significant short-term disruption to manufacturing caused byCOVID-19. Surveys, pharmacy, and export data indicate that COVID-relateddisruptions impacted the supply of essential medicines, but this varied greatly bymarkets and product.

The paper highlights that (1) data-driven approaches should be considered tomake supply chains more robust, (2) solutions must account for the political andinstitutional landscape, (3) price surges benefit the wealthiest, and (4) local solutionsare often needed to manage global shocks.