African medicine regulatory group presents new phase in fight against counterfeit medicine

In an effort to accelerate access to safe and effective medicines for Africans and a push to strengthen Africa’s regulatory frame work for medicinal products; The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD's African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) Programme, launched the First Continental Heads of Medicines Registration and Marketing Authorization Forum. 

The Forum is meant to play a vital role in facilitating translation and adoption of scientific recommendations made by the Evaluation of Medicinal Products Technical Committee (EMP-TC) for human medicinal products listed at continental level.

At the same time, an esteemed panel of leadership of the forum was elected during the momentous Continental Forum for Heads of Registration and Marketing Authorization gathering. 

The newly elected leadership comprised of Kariuki Gachoki of Kenya as the Chairperson, Dr. Chantel Noufionso from Benin as Vice Chairperson, Senegal's Mbagnick Diof, Nazalia Macuwele from Mozambique, and Bathusi Kgosietsile from Botswana serving as Rapporteurs.

 A representative from Northern Africa is yet to be elected and will be announced in the coming weeks. 

"We are excited to introduce this dynamic leadership team for the Continental Forum for Heads of Registration & Marketing Authorization," said the head of AMRH Ms Chimwemwe Chamdimba. 

Their expertise and dedication are instrumental in advancing Africa's medicine regulatory systems, ensuring the accessibility and safety of medicinal products for all Africans,” she added.

Accepting his role, Mr. Gachoki expressed gratitude saying, "It's a great honor to chair this prestigious forum. I assure you that our recommendations will prioritize the well-being of African citizens. Furthermore, as leaders, we humbly acknowledge that we do not possess all knowledge. We are fully committed to listening to the invaluable contributions of forum members, ensuring that we serve Africa to the best of our abilities. 

The leadership team is expected to among others accelerate adoption and translation of continental scientific recommendations on medicinal products evaluated and listed by the Evaluation of Medicinal Products Technical Committee (EMP-TC) into national registration and marketing authorization. 

The Forum will also have a role in fostering collaboration among National Regulatory Authorities, facilitating information exchange, and advocating for continental recommendations to enhance the efficiency of Africa's regulatory framework. 

Further,the forum aims to streamline Medicinal product approval processes, contributing to the efficiency and functioning of the African regulatory system.

Led by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, the AMRH is key in enhancing regulatory capacities to ensure the safety and accessibility of medicines across Africa. 

With the global market for counterfeit medicines valued at US$65–200 billion annually, prompt action is essential.

The meeting also stablished a collaborative platform among African National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), facilitating information exchange and the development of continental recommendations for registration and marketing authorization.

The inaugural leaders of the continental forum will oversee the coordination of all 55 AU Member States in sharing information and adopting continental scientific recommendations. 

Additionally, the Forum's leadership will support countries in implementing recommendations effectively, facilitating the efficient functioning of continental product approval processes;Ensuring that medicine for African citizens is of high quality, efficacious and easily accessible. 

The African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) programme which  was initiated in 2009 addresses challenges faced by National Medicine Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs) in Africa,that include weak legislative frameworks, slow medicine registration, and limited technical capacity, leading to poor access to essential medicines. AMRH aims to harmonize medicine regulation, improving access to quality, safe, and affordable medicines in Africa, aligning with the broader African Union Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa (PMPA).