A delegation of the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (Rwanda FDA), is in the country to learn and share notes with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) quality management systems.
By Kuda Pembere
The Rwanda FDA Quality Assurance Analyst, Mr Theodene Ndayambaje said MCAZ quality management system is enviable. The Rwanda FDA was established in 2018.
I first of all thank you on behalf of RWANDA FDA for the warm welcome. Rwanda FDA having a similar mandate with the MCAZ, and being a new authority established in Rwanda, it has come to our end that MCAZ is one of the authorities we can rely on.
“We have identified the MCAZ as having a well-established a good quality management system. That is why we have requested your management to accept us to come and learn from you. We are really happy for this activity and to be accepted,” he said.
He said they are keen to learn more on MCAZ’s quality management system.
“Throughout this week, we hope to learn a lot in accordance to how the quality management system looks like. How it helps the authority achieve its mandate, missions and visions.
“We all know it is a well-established Quality management system and having accepted to be hosted throughout this week, we hope we will learn more on how processes are interrelated, how the implementation is ensured, how compliance to quality objectives and the implementation is monitored throughout in quality management system framework,” Mr Ndayambaje said.
Speaking on behalf of MCAZ Director General Mr Richard Rukwata, Head of Licencing and Enforcement Mrs Caroline Dandira-Samatanga said quality management systems play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health by ensuring that medicines meet stringent safety, efficacy, and quality standards.
“By exchanging ideas, challenges, and successes during this study tour, we can collectively enhance our capabilities in this critical area,” he said. “We are humbled that Rwanda has chosen Zimbabwe as a source of inspiration for their own QMS journey. This visit signifies the trust and confidence placed in us, and we are committed to sharing our experiences, best practices, and lessons learned with our Rwandan counterparts.”
The Director General also noted that the collaboration between African medicines regulatory authorities safeguard Africans from the circulation of counterfeit drugs in Africa.
“Collaboration between African medicines regulatory bodies is of utmost importance for several reasons especially with the coming into existence of Africa Medicines Agency (AMA). Firstly, it allows for the harmonization of regulatory standards and practices across different countries, ensuring that medicines meet the necessary safety, efficacy, and quality requirements. This is crucial in preventing the circulation of substandard or counterfeit drugs within the continent,” said Mr Rukwata.
He said, “Secondly, collaboration enables the sharing of information and resources among regulatory bodies, facilitating a more efficient and effective regulatory process. By pooling their expertise and experiences, these bodies can collectively address challenges such as drug shortages or emerging health threats.
“Lastly, collaboration fosters a unified voice in international discussions on pharmaceutical regulations, enabling African countries to have a stronger influence on global health policies and ensuring that their specific needs are taken into account.
“Overall, collaboration between African medicines regulatory bodies is essential for safeguarding public health, promoting access to safe and effective medicines, and advancing the continent’s healthcare systems.”
