Consumer Health

Herbal/traditional products remain a popular consumer health category amongst Nigerian consumers and continued to perform well in 2023. Traditional medicines hold a significant role in Nigeria, with many traditional remedies passed down through…

In line with rising health-consciousness, many consumers in Morocco are becoming more concerned about the side effects, contraindications and potential hazards of active pharmaceutical ingredients widely used in OTC and Rx medications. This has…

Despite the increased use of systemic medication, herbal/traditional products are popular among Kenyans and are available through both formal and informal channels. In some instances, herbal/traditional products are perceived as more effective than…

Rising health consciousness is boosting sales of herbal/traditional products in Egypt. Urban areas tend to have higher levels of health consciousness, with individuals actively seeking ways to enhance their health and prevent ailments. Herbal teas…

Herbal/traditional product registered a marginal fall in current value sales in 2023. While the older generation have always favoured herbal/traditional products, among the younger generation, there exists a level of scepticism regarding their…

Herbal/traditional products are expected to register positive current value and volume growth in 2023. Consumers are becoming concerned about the side effects of other OTC consumer health products. They appreciate the natural properties of…

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered the most severe global recession since World War II. In Q4 2020, the end of the pandemic started as countries began administering effective vaccines among the population; however, vaccine distribution…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. Global inflation is reaching a peak, although geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market remain key risks. The impact varies between countries, with…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. In 2023, global inflation is expected to ease from its peak in 2022, but remaining significantly above-trend. Geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market are…

The briefing examines how personalised healthcare market is evolving. The report also provides insights on the countries most ready to use personalised healthcare services, and the potential impact on the pharmaceuticals and medical sectors.

During 2023, more consumers suffered from eye health issues due to much more time spent using technology, such as computers and laptops. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, children were unable to go to school or workers to their workplace and…

Overcrowding and poor hygiene standards in certain areas of the country have increased the prevalence of cataracts, glaucoma and trachoma, a potentially blinding eye disease caused by bacterial infection. This has led to an increase in demand for OTC…

Eye care has continued to expand at a healthy pace in 2023, with volume and current value growth rates expected to be well up on 2022. This is primarily due to buoyant demand in standard eye care, which is by far the largest of the two main…

Egypt has a hot and dry climate, and this causes many consumers to suffer from dry eye. Additionally, an increasing population uses screens while working in an air-conditioned environment, which can further exacerbate dry eye symptoms.

Laxatives looks set to be the most dynamic category in digestive remedies in 2023 in Tunisia in current value terms. This growth is linked to various factors, including changes in lifestyle and dietary patterns, with consumers leading busier lives…

Since 2022, South Africa has been suffering from rolling electricity blackouts. The scheduled blackouts can often occur in some areas around two to three times a day. Moreover, these blackouts often occur during mealtimes. This has created a strong…

Inadequate sanitation and hygiene significantly contribute to digestive problems among consumers. Rural areas face even greater challenges in accessing clean water, exacerbating the issue. While some urban regions also contend with these issues,…

In a reversal of the trend witnessed over 2021-2022, all digestive remedies categories in Morocco are set to record improved performances in volume growth terms in 2023. Demand for several product types has increased as lifestyles have become busier…

Digestive remedies continues to witness value growth in 2023, aided by inflationary-led price increases. An ageing population is also supporting volume sales as older people are more likely to have digestive problems. However, unhealthy diets are…

Demand for digestive remedies continues to strengthen in 2023 as consumers suffer from more digestive ailments. Poor eating habits amongst all classes of the Egyptian population remain the main cause of growth in demand for digestive remedies. Eating…

Poor drinking water is leading to serious digestion problems, with consumers often for instance suffering from diarrhoea, due to the substandard water supply. This is being further exacerbated by climate change, which is leading to increased water…

Many Algerians suffer from gastrointestinal problems, due to poor nutrition, changing dietary habits, and the poor quality of drinking water. However, continuing high inflation is expected to dampen volume growth somewhat. That being said, continuing…

The advertising of dietary supplements through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok is becoming increasingly common in Tunisia. Bloggers, particularly pharmacists and doctors, play a significant role in promoting these…

During the review period, South Africa experienced high levels of inflation that impacted essential categories such as food, fuel and even mortgage payments. Consumers were cutting down on discretionary spending as they had less disposable income.…

Consumers are becoming more conscious of the significance of maintaining a balanced diet, recognising that modern lifestyles, characterised by long work hours and frequent dining out, often contribute to unhealthy eating habits. Consequently,…

Growth in total dietary supplements current value sales in Morocco in 2023 is expected to surpass that recorded in 2022, as are volume growth rates for most categories. Just as with vitamins, rising health awareness is leading more people to…

There is a growing awareness of the significance of a balanced diet and the role that dietary supplements can play in addressing deficiencies. Lifestyle changes, longer work hours and a lack of time for nutritious meal preparation are prompting more…

There is a growing focus on preventive healthcare in Egypt; consumers have become more occupied with ways to prevent illness and maintain their health, particularly following the outbreak of COVID-19. While many are keen to reduce the risk of chronic…

The growth of dietary supplements decelerated due to a shift in consumer behaviour back to pre-pandemic shopping patterns, characterised by reduced emphasis on vitamins and dietary supplements. Additionally, the escalating cost of living is placed…

Dietary supplements are expected to register positive current value and volume growth in 2023. Though the boon from the pandemic is over, many consumers have now adopted the habit of taking dietary supplements as a preventative health measure. That…

Dermatologicals in Tunisia is experiencing robust growth in current value terms in 2023 with this being driven by several factors that are contributing to the category’s success. One of the key drivers is the rising urbanisation of the population in…

Many consumers in South Africa rely on pharmacist recommendations when it comes to dermatological products. Most consumers within South Africa are highly unlikely to visit a doctor or even a dermatologist to treat some dermatological issues. As a…

Climatic and social conditions drive the sale of paediatric dermatologicals products in Nigeria. As well as being more sensitive to environmental factors than adults, children’s lifestyles expose them to conditions that lead to skin problems,…

Dermatologicals has performed impressively in 2023, with all categories set to record stronger volume growth rates than in 2022. Demand for some product types has picked up as the increased levels of social contact brought about by the easing of the…

While overall consumer awareness of skin diseases and infections is increasing in Kenya, there remain areas where stigma persists, creating a reluctance among consumers to seek help. For instance, vaginal antifungals are linked to the stigma of…

Affordability is a key factor within dermatologicals, with some products on the landscape being very expensive for the average consumer. As such, people need to find products within their budget, allowing them to address their specific skin issues.…

Skin diseases across all age groups continues to drive growth for dermatologicals. Skin diseases are common in rural areas due to poor hygiene and in urban areas due to overcrowded neighbourhoods, with many having no access to proper sanitary…

Skin diseases across all age groups continues to drive growth for dermatologicals. Skin diseases are common in rural areas due to poor hygiene and in urban areas due to overcrowded neighbourhoods, with many having no access to proper sanitary…

In Tunisia, there is a strong preference for unit-dose sachets among consumers when it comes to cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies. This format is highly popular and widely used, with brands like Fervex, Gripex, and Doliprex being prominent…

During the review period, the flu and allergy season in South Africa was rife specifically during the winter periods. Given the presence of several flu strains and allergies, consumers reached out to cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) products to…

On a landscape featuring local and international brands, consumers can access a wide array of choices. Brands like Emzolyn and Exiplon are popular among individuals with lower disposable incomes, while international counterparts, including Benylin,…

Overall demand for cough and cold remedies in Morocco has picked up in 2023, with most categories set to register improved results in volume growth terms as compared to 2022. The use of these products has been buoyed by the easing of the pandemic and…

A prevalent issue in cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies is the misuse of cough syrups, often through self-medication with OTC products. To address this concern, a regulatory framework has been implemented restricting the distribution of…

Combination drugs are often used to treat multiple symptoms or conditions with a single medication. They can be very helpful in simplifying medication regimens and improving patient adherence. Combination drugs are also beneficial in a number of…

Locally preferred alternatives, like consuming honey, ginger, and lemon infusions, enjoy widespread popularity among the locals. In households with lower incomes, natural remedies often take precedence as the initial choice before resorting to…

Cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies are expected to perform better in 2023 than in the previous year, with positive value and volume growth. As life in Algeria returns to normal, and social contact increases, there is increased coughs, colds…

Uganda’s economy saw real GDP growth of 5% in 2023 and this provided a boost to sales of some consumer health products. Self-medication is driving growth in consumer health in Uganda as consumers are finding it easier and cheaper to purchase…

Consumer health in Tunisia is facing a complex landscape characterised by several factors in 2023. Firstly, the global economic crisis has had a significant impact on the demand for consumer health products. With the cost of living rising sharply due…

In 2023, Tanzania faces high inflation and living costs, causing consumers to favour lower-priced generic medications over pricey international brands. Essential categories, such as analgesics, cough, cold, allergy remedies, and digestive remedies,…

During the review period, many consumers have been facing financial difficulties as the cost of living in South Africa has been increasing on a monthly basis. For many consumers, their health is an afterthought with most instead prioritising…