THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen the countries’ ties in the regulation pharmaceutical and medical products as well as trade thereof.
By Kudakwashe Pembere
Officiating the signing ceremony was the Vice President of Zimbabwe and Health and Child Care Minister Dr Constantine Chiwenga. Also present during the signing ceremony was the EDA delegation led by its Authority chairperson Professor Professor Tamer Essam, the Egyptian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Salma Mowafi as well as MCAZ board members and staff.
“It is indeed a great pleasure to stand before you today as we witness a momentous occasion which is the signing of a Memorandum of Under-standing between the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe and the Egyptian Drug Authority. The Republic of Zimbabwe and the Arabic Republic of Egypt have formed a partnership aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and maximizing shared benefits in the pharmaceuticals, biological products, and medical devices sectors,” he said,
He also said this MOU was important as it broadens the regulatory frameworks of Zimbabwe and Egypt.
“Thus, this landmark event marks a significant step towards strengthening and broadening the regulatory frameworks of both Zimbabwe and Egypt in the pharmaceutical sector. The Memorandum of Understanding is designed to facilitate cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in the areas of drug regulation, quality control, and pharmacovigilance,” he said.
He said the collaboration of these medical products regulatory authorities will enhance opportunities of investment for Zimbabwe.
“It is common cause that, one of the key objectives of my Ministry is to improve access to essential medicines a. health technologies. The Government of Zimbabwe will strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain management system, increase local production of essential medicines, and enhance regulatory oversight of medical products.
“It also emphasizes the Importance of ensuring the affordability and availability of medicines for all Zimbabweans, particularly those in rural areas and vulnerable populations. Therefore, this Memorandum of Understanding has come at an opportune time for the nation at large as we move towards the realization of an Empowered, Prosperous Upper Middle Income Society by 2030,” VP Chiwenga said.
EDA chair Professor Essam said their Zimbabwean counterparts are on the right track as they are endowed with skilled personnel.
“We are glad to be cooperating with MCAZ because also we were honoured to visit their facility and we saw very qualified staff over there. They are on the right track and we can commit that they can count on the Egyptian Drug Authority to provide all kinds of support and technical support to achieve our goals,” he said. “It is my first time to be here in Zimbabwe and I am glad to say what I have seen is looking to the future. You are on the right track. We are very proud of your performance, and I can tell there is a lot of things we can do together between Egypt and Zimbabwe.”
He said it was a trilateral agreement between Zimbabwe, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
MCAZ director general Mr Richard Rukwata said the agreement enhances cooperation between the countries in the areas of trade, and pharmaceutical regulation.
“I welcome you to this momentous occasion and we are very excited to gather today to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe and the Egyptian Drug Authority. This agreement marks a significant milestone in our efforts collaboration and cooperation between our two countries in the area of pharmaceutical regulation and to enhance trade between our two countries.,” he said.
He noted that teaming up with the EDA will see them sharing ideas in best practices of medical products regulation.
“As we all know, access to safe, effective and affordable medicines is critical for the health and wellbeing of all our citizens and this has been and continues to be the position of the government of Zimbabwe. However ensuring that medicines meet the required standard is a complex process that requires close between regulatory authorities because why should we reinvent the wheel over and over again when in fact others have gone through before us.
“And it is heartening to see Zimbabwe and Egypt are committed in working together towards this common goal. Through this memorandum of understanding we will be able to share knowledge, expertise and best practices in the areas of drug registration, pharmacovigillance, quality control of medicines and to promote the trade of medicines between our two countries.
“This will not only enhance our regulatory systems but also contribute towards the public health outcomes in both countries. I am confident this partnership will be fruitful for both parties and look forward to see it flourish in the years ahead,” he said.
