The joint SAHPRA-WHO workshop is a collaborative call to action, uniting stakeholders to tackle the urgent threat of substandard and falsified medical products in Africa. This initiative aims to enhance market surveillance and strengthen regulatory frameworks, pivotal for safeguarding public health and achieving access to healthcare.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted a critical three-day workshop from 4 to 6 February to pilot the WHO Draft Handbook for National Action Planning for Prevention, Detection and Response Strategies on Substandard and Falsified Medical Products. Stakeholders involved in eradicating substandard and falsified medical products and in ensuring that medical products entering the national supply are of a high quality, safe to use and work as intended will come together to develop strategies for combating substandard and falsified medical products.
The list of stakeholders includes the highest level of government and policymakers, relevant national and local government departments, law enforcement, customs and the Judiciary, and all key participants within the supply chain engaged in the manufacture, procurement, importation, distribution, supply and dispensing of medical products. In addition, procurers of medical products, health providers, patients and customer representatives will be present.
Working towards a stable regulatory system
A consultative process and collaboration among stakeholders are necessary to prioritise activities according to risk, to mobilise resources and effectively implement activities in fighting substandard and falsified medical products. The end goal is to achieve a stable, integrated, and well-functioning regulatory system for medical products in the country.
Of the substandard and falsified products circulating globally, a significant percentage is found in Africa. This presents a serious concern for public health affecting the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals 3, which aims to have universal health access for all. A common finding from the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool assessments is the need for strengthening the market surveillance and control function which fights substandard and falsified medical products.
Call for stakeholder support
The 10th African Medicines Regulatory Conference (AMRC) took stock of the current global, continental, and national frameworks, good practices and challenges in fighting substandard and falsified medical products. It provided concrete technical guidance to member state National Regulatory Authorities and the African Medicines Agency, as well as called on the support of strengthened partners in fighting the scourge.
This pilot programme is year-long journey in working together with key stakeholders of the National Action Plan to develop and implement strategies for preventing, detecting and responding to substandard and falsified medical products in a united and collaborative manner.
SAHPRA requests the support of all stakeholders, including the public, to curb the presence of substandard and falsified medical products in South Africa.
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