Carine Baxerres' doctoral thesis reveals the dynamics of the informal drug market in Cotonou

Carine Baxerres' doctoral thesis, defended at the École des hautes études en sciences sociales in 2010, highlights the prevalence of self-medication in Cotonou, where residents, facing limited access to formal healthcare, turn to a dynamic informal market. This research raises critical public health questions and calls for appropriate regulation.

Carine Baxerres' research explores the relationship between Beninese society and pharmaceutical drugs, focusing on the informal market in Cotonou. This market, characterized by widespread self-medication practices, poses a major challenge for health authorities, who must balance regulation with the reality of limited access to formal care.

The study's findings show a high prevalence of self-medication, with users seeking both curative and preventive care. Comparing distribution channels in Benin with those of neighboring English-speaking countries, Baxerres shows that the challenges observed in Cotonou reflect broader regional trends, without providing precise figures.

The implications of this research are significant for policymakers, who must consider health policies suited to local contexts. The informal drug market represents an investment opportunity for improving public health, but it requires appropriate regulation to ensure user safety.

« "In Cotonou, the prevalence of self-medication raises critical public health questions, as these practices do not always meet biomedical standards." »

« "This research highlights the importance of access to knowledge about the informal drug market, in order to inform policymakers and improve public health in Benin." »