Why pharmaceutical self-sufficiency is essential for global health security

The recent executive order signed by President Trump directing U.S. agencies to secure domestic supplies of critical pharmaceutical ingredients underscores a reality that extends far beyond America’s borders: no nation, regardless of economic strength, is immune to the vulnerabilities of pharmaceutical dependency.

The order, which calls for identifying 26 drugs critical to U.S. health and securing six-month supplies of their active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), highlights a sobering claim – only around 10% of APIs used in American medicines are manufactured domestically.

America’s pharmaceutical supply challenges mirror a global crisis that has devastating consequences, particularly in developing nations. In March, the World Health Organization warned that eight countries could run out of HIV treatment. This crisis has been exacerbated by the U.S.’ decision to freeze foreign aid, compounding existing supply chain pressures and leaving programmes that millions depend on in a precarious state.

The current uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs on pharmaceutical imports adds another layer of complexity, creating price volatility that affects both domestic healthcare costs and global supply chain planning. These trade tensions demonstrate how geopolitical factors can instantly disrupt medical supply chains, regardless of a country’s economic status.

Even when funds are available, bureaucratic procurement rules further complicate access. While important for safety, these regulations often delay lifesaving medicines when speed is critical. These regulatory complexities create timing challenges that proved particularly problematic during COVID-19, when both developing and developed nations struggled with procurement bottlenecks.

Establishing domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities offers significant advantages for addressing these structural weaknesses. Local production provides supply chain resilience that reduces dependency on international logistics networks and eliminates many of the bureaucratic delays associated with international procurement.

The World Health Organization agrees with this approach, having stated in response to COVID-19 that: “There is growing recognition of the need to geo-diversify health product manufacturing to enhance local and regional production capacity to address global health challenges while ensuring equitable access to lifesaving essential health products.”

Investment in domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing represents a pathway towards sustainable health security that addresses root causes rather than symptoms of medication access challenges. International cooperation remains important, but governments and private investors – whether in Washington or Nairobi– must commit to building local production capacity to achieve lasting resilience.

This approach also delivers economic benefits that extend beyond direct cost savings. Local manufacturing creates abundant employment opportunities whilst developing technical expertise and human capital that can serve all sectors of the economy. These facilities generate the multiplier effect that strengthens overall industrial capacity and builds a strong foundation for innovation-driven economic development.

Moreover, a robust domestic pharmaceutical sector can reduce the risks of counterfeit or substandard drugs entering the market, a persistent issue in regions heavily reliant on imports. By establishing transparent, regulated, and quality-assured production systems locally, countries can safeguard patient trust and improve clinical outcomes. This also empowers health authorities to respond faster to emerging threats, from sudden outbreaks to chronic shortages, ensuring that no community is left without access to essential medicines. In the long term, such preparedness is not only a public health imperative but a strategic investment in national stability and resilience.

Countries that strategically invest in building these capabilities position themselves to achieve greater health security whilst creating economic opportunities that benefit broader development goals. Pharmaceutical self-sufficiency is not only about health, it is about sovereignty, sustainability, and long-term prosperity. Rather than remaining dependent on fragile global supply chains, nations can build robust healthcare systems anchored by local production that serve both immediate needs and future development. 

At Xin Weisheng, we work with governments and partners to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity through modular facilities and workforce training. By supporting nations in developing their own production capabilities and expertise, we, as a manufacturer and industry solutions provider, aim to contribute to more resilient healthcare systems and improved access to essential medicines worldwide.

As Trump’s executive order demonstrates, whether in times of crisis or stability, pharmaceutical self-sufficiency is not a luxury, but a cornerstone of global health security.