Dawa Life Sciences: Three decades of transforming healthcare in East and Southern Africa

In Africa’s healthcare landscape, Dawa Life Sciences stands as a powerful testament to resilience, a vision driven by purpose, and a heartfelt commitment to its community. Over its 30-year journey, Dawa Life Sciences has transformed from a modest pharmaceutical importer into a leading local manufacturer, a lifeline for patients who need quality medicines, and a catalyst for change within Kenya and beyond.

Dawa Life Sciences is more than a company for healthcare professionals—it is a story of dedication, challenges, and impact. In an interview with Healthcare Middle East & Africa magazine, COO Arjun Mohindra shares Dawa’s path, exploring its grassroots beginnings, community partnerships, and the innovative spirit that has propelled it forward.

Since its inception, this Kenyan-based pharmaceutical giant has not only provided affordable medicines but has also woven a narrative of resilience, innovation, and compassion for the communities it serves.

“We ask ourselves every day: Would we give this medicine to our mother, our father, or our child?” says Arjun. This question defines Dawa’s unwavering commitment to quality, a philosophy that resonates throughout its journey from a humble importer to a manufacturing powerhouse.

FROM A DINING ROOM DREAM TO A MANUFACTURING POWERHOUSE

Dawa’s story began humbly in 1994, not in a gleaming office but around a dining table in Kenya. Founded by Dr. Raju Mohindra and Dr. Ajay Patel, Dawa Life Sciences was born out of a realization that Kenya and much of East Africa needed access to affordable, quality medication. The founders saw a glaring gap: high medication prices from multinational companies had left many people unable to afford essential medicines. With a passion to serve and a vision to create a better future, they started small but with immense resolve.

The breakthrough came in 2004 when the founders acquired Dawa Pharmaceuticals, moving from importer to manufacturer and creating a home-grown supply chain for East Africa. In those early days, Dr. Raju and Dr. Ajay would often work long hours, working alongside their team to ensure the production met strict quality standards. This transition laid the foundation for what is now one of the regions’s largest pharmaceutical companies.

Today, Dawa Life Sciences operates three state-of-the-art facilities specializing in human medicine, penicillin production, and animal health and nutrition products.The three facilities symbolize their growth and dedication to the region’s healthcare needs.

ANCHORED IN COMMUNITY: CREATING JOBS, IMPROVING HEALTH, AND BUILDING TRUST

For Dawa, being a pharmaceutical leader is about more than business. It’s about impact, building relationships and giving back to the community. Dawa employs over 650 team members across Kenya and the markets it operates in, with many employees having started their journey with the company decades ago.

Among the staff are inspiring stories, like that of a cleaner hired in the late 1990s who worked her way up to manage one of Dawa’s largest sales accounts. “Her journey is a testament to what we value—our people,” the COO shares. These success stories speak to a company that values growth, not just in profits, but in people.

Dawa has also invested in creating accessible healthcare for local communities. Recently, they partnered with Ilara Health to establish a community clinic at their pharmaceutical facility in Baba Dogo Road, Ruaraka. Offering affordable medical services and Dawa’s own medicines at reduced costs, the clinic is part of Dawa’s belief in making healthcare accessible to all. “The clinic is a response to what we heard directly from our staff and neighbors—they need accessible, quality healthcare. The community clinic is set to be opened by January 2025, “the COO shares. The company’s initiative goes beyond treating patients—it’s about providing dignity, respect, and support to those who need it most.

BRINGING HEALTHCARE HOME

Dawa’s strength lies in its understanding of healthcare needs. The company’s portfolio spans dermatology, gastroenterology, diabetes, and cardiology. Recently, Dawa introduced affordable diabetes medications in response to the region’s alarming rise in diabetes cases, which can be attributed to lifestyle changes.

“Lifestyle changes and diet are driving a surge in diabetes cases, yet the cost of medication remains a barrier,” explains the COO. “We’ve introduced quality diabetes drugs that are up to 30% more affordable, ensuring more patients can access treatment.”

Cardiology is another area in which Dawa has made significant strides. The company aims to address the growing burden of heart disease in the region by introducing new cardio-metabolic drugs and focusing on advanced formulations. “Diabetes medication is out of reach for many,” says the COO, Arjun. “We launched a range of comparable quality drugs but significantly more affordable.” Similarly, Dawa has been a key player in cardiology for over a decade, offering new, quality formulations that meet the evolving needs of patients.

Dawa’s impact extends far beyond Kenya. The company exports to over ten countries, reaching communities 2,000 kilometers away. Partnerships with organizations like the United Nations and USAID have further amplified its reach. “Supplying antimalarial products to regions like Cameroon and Ethiopia through these partnerships makes us incredibly proud,” the COO adds.

WHY DAWA’S STANDARDS SET THEM APART

To Dawa, quality is personal. Speaking with evident pride, Mr Arjun Mohindra explains their guiding philosophy: “Would you give this medication to your loved ones?” This simple question grounds Dawa’s commitment to quality. If a product isn’t good enough for a loved one, it isn’t good enough for their customers. This ethos drives every step of production, from sourcing raw materials to the rigorous testing protocols that ensure each batch is safe and effective.

Dawa’s commitment to quality has earned it a respected reputation in Eastern and Southern Africa. It has secured approvals from regulatory bodies like the Kenyan Pharmacy and Poisons Board, the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority, and the Uganda National Drug Authority. The company adheres to stringent Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ensuring that every product meets international standards.

“Quality isn’t negotiable,” the COO emphasizes. It’s about trust—and trust is something we’ve earned from our partners over the years.” Despite being far from the world’s major pharmaceutical hubs, Dawa’s standards remain uncompromised, reflecting a rare but deeply valued commitment. For healthcare providers, Dawa has become a trusted partner, a local name they can rely on for medicines that meet international quality standards.

THE CHALLENGES OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING

Operating in East Africa comes with challenges, and Dawa’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Supply chain issues are among the most significant. “It’s frustrating at times,” admits the COO. “A shipment that takes a week to deliver in India can take over a month here. But we’re committed to overcoming these challenges because we believe in the potential of local manufacturing.”

These delays can disrupt production timelines, creating a ripple effect that impacts the availability and accessibility of medicines. But Dawa has learned to adapt, building local supply chains and strategic partnerships to mitigate these challenges. “Our job is to ensure that no delay, however inevitable, compromises the availability of life-saving drugs,” he asserts.

The company also grapples with regulatory disparities. While some African countries have made strides in harmonizing standards, others remain semi-regulated, creating a perception that Africa does not demand the same quality as global markets. “We constantly push for higher standards,” he adds. “We want African patients to receive the same quality of care as anyone else.”

Another obstacle, however, is perception. African-made pharmaceuticals are often seen as inferior, a view that Dawa has worked tirelessly to change. They know quality isn’t about location but commitment, processes, and integrity. By maintaining high standards and advocating for pharmaceutical excellence, Dawa Life Sciences is helping to shift this outdated view and pave the way for other local manufacturers.

EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY AND REDEFINING CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

Dawa’s commitment to the community extends to the environment, with sustainability initiatives that reflect a company’s thinking not just of the present but of the future. From developing solar panels that will soon supply 30% of their energy needs to extensive tree-planting campaigns, Dawa is integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations. “This isn’t just about reducing costs; it’s about reducing our carbon footprint,” says the COO.

They’ve also made strides in waste management, recognizing the importance of responsible disposal and recycling in healthcare manufacturing. These initiatives aren’t just checkboxes but part of Dawa’s identity. In fact, Dawa has involved its employees in these projects, organizing treeplanting days and encouraging staff to be part of the change. For healthcare providers and patients, knowing that Dawa is committed to environmental and human health adds a new dimension of trust and respect.

PUSHING BOUNDARIES TO SERVE BETTER

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Dawa’s adoption of digital technologies, reshaping how it operates and engages with stakeholders. The company now uses real-time production tracking, business intelligence platforms, and even AI for customer interactions. “Every 10 minutes, our system updates us on production output. This level of precision ensures we meet demand efficiently,” Mr Arjun Mohindra explains.

For customer engagement, Dawa has introduced AI-driven solutions to handle basic inquiries, allowing human agents to focus on complex cases. These innovations are not just about efficiency but also about enhancing customer experience.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF AFRICAN HEALTHCARE

As Dawa Life Sciences celebrates 30 years of excellence, its vision remains bold and ambitious: to be the reference for life sciences in Africa. Dawa looks to expand into new markets, deepen its product portfolio, and advocate for higher regulatory standards across Africa. “Our goal is to become the reference point for life sciences in Africa,” says the COO. “Not the biggest, but the best in quality, service, and impact.”

Dawa’s leadership team, with an average age of just 35, is driven by a youthful energy that matches this vision. They blend experience with fresh perspectives to ensure the company remains adaptable and forward-thinking.

The company is also exploring advanced manufacturing technologies and international certifications to enhance its credibility further. With these goals in mind, Dawa is positioning itself as a life sciences company and a cornerstone of East and Southern African healthcare.

For healthcare professionals, Dawa Life Sciences is a reliable supplier and a partner in improving health outcomes. As the company looks to the future, its commitment to affordable, high-quality medicines and community impact serves as a beacon of hope for East Africa and beyond. “In the end, it’s about the lives we touch,” concludes the COO with a smile. “That’s what keeps us going.”

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