South Africa antirheumatic drugs market was valued at US$2,176.81 million in 2020 and is forecasted to grow owing to the high prevalence of the chronic disease across the country.
The market in South Africa is projected to grow at a notable CAGR throughout the forecast period. The major factors that drive the antirheumatic drugs market in the country include the high prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis coupled with the intense incidence of malaria throughout the country. According to the data from the World Health Organization, in 2018, the country reported around 9500 indigenous malaria cases, which were considerably lesser than in 2017. In 2017, around 22,000 cases were reported in the country. The increased government funding for meeting the malaria response is also anticipated to impact the demand for various types of drugs positively and, thus, drive market growth during the next five years. Furthermore, the high prevalence of arthritis in the country, along with the growing geriatric population, is also considered to be the prime factor expected to drive growth throughout the forecast period. Also, the fewer number of rheumatologists is considered to be a significant factor for the high prevalence of this disease in the country. There are currently 64 registered rheumatologists in the country, which gives a ratio of around one doctor for more than 800,000 inhabitants (Source: South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association). According to the World Bank Group, the population ages 65 and above increased from 2,433,350 in 2010 to 3,072,723 by 2018.
South Africa's antirheumatic drugs market has been segmented based on the type of disease, type of molecule, and sales channel. By type of disease, the market has been segmented as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and others. By type of molecule, the South African antirheumatic drugs market has been classified into pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals. The market segmentation has also been done by sales channel as prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).
COVID-19 SCENARIO
The pandemic of COVID-19 has an adverse impact on the market for antirheumatic drugs in South America. According to the Lancet Rheumatology 2020, are at significant risk of developing severe symptoms and consequences. Many COVID-19 cases have been seen in Asian countries such as India, which has altered the healthcare sector's focus to COVID-19 patients. Non-COVID patients had less access to hospitals. As a result, there was a decline in rheumatic diagnoses, resulting in lower demand for antirheumatic drugs in the region. As a result, market growth has been slower than planned. The loss of health insurance coverage, fewer hospital visits, and reduced diagnostic rates, the product is selling well.
Segmentation