The market has a promising opportunity in developing economies where the research and development sectors are still in the early stages, leaving them ill-equipped to tackle emerging health challenges. In these regions, particularly in Africa, there is a significant reliance on imported medicines and other health technologies due to the underdeveloped state of their healthcare infrastructure. Despite a substantial demand for addressing chronic diseases, such as cancer, the slow growth of the healthcare industry in these areas is hindered by unfavorable economic conditions.
Africa, in particular, faces challenges in meeting the healthcare needs of its population. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that a considerable portion of deaths from cancer, around 70%, occurs in low- and middle-income countries. However, the economic constraints in these regions contribute to the sluggish development of the healthcare sector, limiting the ability to cope with the rising demand for medical services.
One of the critical issues in these developing economies is the late-stage presentation of diseases and the lack of accessibility to timely diagnosis and treatment. In 2015, a mere 35% of low-income countries reported having pathology services readily available in the public sector. This deficiency in healthcare infrastructure exacerbates the challenges in providing early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Furthermore, gene panel testing, a crucial component in identifying genetic diseases, faces significant obstacles in these developing economies. The primary hindrances include the high costs associated with these tests and the insufficient community genetics and medical infrastructure required to administer the tests, interpret the results, and provide necessary counseling and medical interventions.
The substantial population affected by chronic diseases, including cancer, in these developing countries creates a compelling opportunity for major players in the gene panel market. The demand for these tests is crucial for effective treatment strategies. However, the challenges lie not only in making the tests accessible but also in ensuring that there is adequate support infrastructure for the entire process—from conducting tests to interpreting results and offering appropriate medical guidance.
The need for affordable and easily accessible diagnostic tools is particularly evident in the context of genetic diseases. As these conditions often require specialized and personalized treatments, the availability of gene panel testing becomes pivotal for tailoring healthcare interventions to individual genetic profiles. Addressing this need becomes a strategic opportunity for key players in the gene panel market, who can contribute to filling the gap in diagnostic capabilities in developing economies.