Conflict Disrupts Global Supply Chains for Cancer Medicines

Disruptions to pharmaceutical transport routes linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East are raising alarms about the fragility of cancer medicine supply chains in low-income and middle-income countries, particularly across Africa. Routes commonly used to carry temperature-sensitive medicines—including chemotherapy drugs and other oncology supplies—have been affected as airlines and shippers avoid conflict zones, increasing costs and delaying deliveries. For patients already navigating fragile health systems, even short interruptions can have serious consequences.