Kenya Hosts 5th AU-3S Steering Committee Meeting: Showcasing Advances in Health Safety Across Africa

Kenya is currently hosting the 5th African Union Smart Safety Surveillance (AU-3S) Steering Committee Meeting in Mombasa, highlighting significant strides in health safety and patient protection across the continent. The two-day meeting, running from the 12th to 13th of September 2024, has drawn key stakeholders, including heads of African National Regulatory Agencies, senior officials from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and AUDA-NEPAD, all committed to furthering health product safety across Africa.

Key Highlights and Milestones

In a speech delivered by Dr. Sultan Matendechero, Acting Director General of Public Health and Professional Standards, Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa underscored Kenya’s and Africa’s notable achievements in health safety, emphasizing the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB). Dr. Mlongo highlighted critical milestones, including the introduction of new pharmacovigilance regulations designed to enhance the monitoring of medicines and vaccines across the continent.

Among the key achievements discussed was the development and implementation of a specialized training curriculum for Qualified Persons for Pharmacovigilance, aiming to equip healthcare professionals with the skills necessary to identify and manage adverse drug reactions effectively. This initiative has contributed to a significant improvement in reporting rates of adverse events following COVID-19 vaccinations, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in immunization programs and ensuring patient safety.

Dr. Mlongo stressed the importance of continuous collaboration, stating, “We anticipate continued support to strengthen the monitoring of health products. Our efforts include acquiring data collection equipment for active safety surveillance of COVID-19 vaccines and improving regulatory decision-making through joint signal management.” This statement reflects Africa’s commitment to enhancing the continent’s health safety infrastructure, with a particular focus on improving the regulatory frameworks that govern the use of health products.

Collaboration and Support

Dr. Mlongo expressed her gratitude to the various partners who have played a pivotal role in these advancements. She acknowledged the unwavering support from AUDA-NEPAD, the AU-3S Programme, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the UK’s MHRA, the US FDA, and the World Health Organization (WHO). Their contributions have been instrumental in driving forward the safety surveillance agenda, providing both technical expertise and financial support to bolster the continent’s capacity to monitor and respond to health product safety issues.

“We are hopeful for productive discussions and impactful outcomes,” Dr. Mlongo said, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the AU-3S Programme. This initiative aims to create a network of African countries that work together to improve health product safety through joint training, information sharing, and coordinated regulatory actions.

The Future of Health Safety in Africa

The AU-3S Steering Committee Meeting serves as a platform for African nations to share experiences, best practices, and challenges in pharmacovigilance and health product safety. As the continent continues to grapple with emerging health threats and the increasing complexity of health product regulation, such gatherings are vital in fostering a unified approach to patient safety.

The ongoing meeting in Mombasa is set to focus on strategic discussions that will guide the next phase of the AU-3S Programme. Key topics on the agenda include enhancing the use of digital tools for safety surveillance, expanding the scope of pharmacovigilance to include traditional medicines, and integrating safety monitoring into broader health system strengthening initiatives. These discussions are particularly relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has underscored the need for robust health safety systems that can respond swiftly to new and evolving health challenges.

Commitment to Public Health

The emphasis on safety monitoring for COVID-19 vaccines is a clear indicator of Africa’s commitment to safeguarding public health amid the pandemic. By acquiring advanced data collection equipment and adopting a more active approach to surveillance, the continent aims to build a resilient health system capable of withstanding future pandemics and other public health emergencies.

As the meeting progresses, the participants remain optimistic that the outcomes will further cement Africa’s position as a leader in health safety and patient protection. The continued partnership among African countries, international regulatory bodies, and global health organizations will be crucial in driving forward the AU-3S agenda, ensuring that every African has access to safe and effective health products.

The 5th AU-3S Steering Committee Meeting not only marks a significant step in Africa’s journey towards enhanced health safety but also reflects the continent’s collective resolve to protect its people’s health and well-being through collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to excellence.