insights

Perspectives on medicines safety in Africa

Medicines for Africa contributes independent perspectives to strengthen informed action to protect patients from unsafe medicines in African markets. Our thought leadership contributes to the conversation about the nature of regulatory actions needed to strengthen the evolving landscape of medicines and patient safety across the continent.

Our insights aim to support informed dialogue, reinforce shared understanding of medicines safety risks, and contribute constructively to system-level impactful responses that improve patient protection.

Selected contributions

Dialogue Highlights

---

Re-imagining patient Safety globally

In this Utano Podcast episode, Dr. Lenias Hwenda speaks with Prof. Henrietta Hughes, the world’s first Patient Safety Commissioner, about the role of independent patient advocacy in shaping the future of medicines safety and lessons relevant to African health systems.

Thought-Leadership

Unifying Pharmacovigillance in africa 

In this opinion piece, we examine the foundations of pharmacovigilance systems across Africa, noting progress alongside fragmentation and uneven implementation. Strengthening coordination under the leadership of the African Medicines Agency could support the transition toward a more coherent and responsive pharmacovigilance framework that better protects patients.

Media Engagement

rapid access to Innovation in africa 

Watch Dr. Lenias Hwenda speak to CNBC Africa Power Lunch about a new long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis option that may significantly accelerate HIV prevention efforts. The discussion explores implications for rapid regulatory review by African regulators, rapid rollout and patient safety in African markets. This case highlights how effective collaboration between regulators, manufacturers and health systems and other partners can transform safe access to new product innovations in Africa.

Our Focus

Our insights focus on:

• Protecting patients from unsafe medicines, including substandard and falsified medical products
• Strengthening regulatory systems and cross-sector collaboration
• Safeguarding the integrity of medicines markets across Africa
  

These themes reflect the focus of our work and areas of continued engagement.

Stay connected

For more frequent updates and commentary, follow Medicines for Africa on LinkedIn.

Find us on LinkedIn

Read our newsletter on LinkedIn

Watch our podcast on youtube