Treaty aids quest for safer medicines on continent

The Treaty for the Establishment of the African Medicines Agency has entered into force after more than half the African Union's 55 member states signed on to the treaty, paving the way for the agency to begin operations.

Uganda last week became the latest country to sign the treaty.

In 2019, the Bureau of the African Union Heads of State and Government endorsed a new treaty for the establishment of the African Medicines Agency to enhance the capacity of countries to regulate medical products. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the need for a continental agency that is able to fast-track approval for crucial vaccines and other medical products.

"The African Union Commission celebrates and welcomes this great milestone that opens a new chapter for harmonization and regulation of the African pharmaceutical landscape across the continent, and the efforts to improve weak regulatory systems," said Amira Elfadil Mohammed, the AU commissioner for health, humanitarian affairs and social development.

"The commission acknowledges with thanks the support of the high-level advocacy mission that contributed to the realization of the 15 ratifications that were needed to bring the treaty into force."

The commission also acknowledges the support and efforts of the AU Development Agency, the World Health Organization and all stakeholders in contributing to the achievement of this important milestone.

Formal entity

The treaty was made official on Friday, clearing the way for the African Medicines Agency to begin operations as a formal entity. South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia are among the 27 AU member states that have yet to sign the treaty which is expected to coordinate and support vigilance of the pharmaceutical industry on the continent.

Michel Sidibe, the AU's special envoy for the African Medicines Agency, said the AU continues to encourage all its member states to sign and ratify the treaty in the interest of public health, safety and security.

In a message posted on social media, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the establishment of the treaty is a crucial step toward a healthier, safer and fairer Africa.