The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD’s African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) Programme proudly announces the launch of the First Continental Heads of Medicines Registration and Marketing Authorization Forum and the selection of its leadership team.
AMRH Forum will play a vital role in facilitating the 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. The esteemed panel of leadership of the Forum was elected during the momentous Continental Forum for Heads of Registration and Marketing Authorization gathering, held on April 11, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya.
The newly elected leadership comprises Kariuki Gachoki from Kenya as the Chairperson, Dr. Chantel Noufionso from Benin as Vice Chairperson, and 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.”
Accepting his role, Mr. Gachoki expressed his gratitude, stating, “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”.
This leadership team will play a pivotal role in facilitating 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. The forum aims to streamline Medicinal product approval processes, contributing to the efficiency and functioning of the African regulatory system.
The conclusion of the election process saw crucial discussions on implementing the continental pilot procedures facilitating Registration and Marketing Authorization for medicinal products in Africa and harmonized mechanism for adopting continental scientific
