Kigali, Rwanda – (African Boulevard News) – The Rwandan government and the African Union Commission (AUC) have signed an agreement to establish the headquarters of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) in Kigali. This marks a significant milestone towards enhancing healthcare on the continent and a reaffirmation of Kigali’s position as a hub for health and medical innovation.
The African Medicines Agency is a specialized agency of the African Union that will be responsible for regulating medical products sold or distributed in Africa. It is expected to begin operations in 2023 and will be responsible for safeguarding the health of African citizens by ensuring that all medicines are safe, effective, and of good quality. The establishment of the AMA will also facilitate the production of manufacturing and distribution of medicines locally, thereby reducing the reliance on imported drugs and creating job opportunities in the healthcare sector.
The signing of the agreement in Kigali is a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to the promotion of healthcare on the African continent. President Paul Kagame emphasized that Rwanda is proud to be the headquarters of the African Medicines Agency and that it is a demonstration of the country’s ability to contribute to the development of the continent. He added that “Rwanda is committed to working with the African Union and other partners to strengthen healthcare systems and promote access to quality and affordable healthcare for all.”
The establishment of the AMA is expected to transform Africa’s pharmaceutical industry, which is currently fragmented and centralized in a few African countries. The AMA will assist and guide national regulatory authorities in the development and implementation of regulatory frameworks and standards that are in line with international best practices. This will ensure that the medical products produced and marketed in Africa are of high quality and are safe and effective.
According to the African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Amira Elfadil Mohammed, “the establishment of the African Medicines Agency marks a momentous step forward in Africa’s public health architecture. It will improve the regulatory environment for medical products in Africa and facilitate the approval and registration of medicines for diseases that disproportionately affect the African continent.”
In conclusion, the establishment of the African Medicines Agency in Kigali is a historic step towards the development of Africa’s healthcare sector. It represents a significant milestone in ensuring that all medicines sold or distributed in Africa are safe, effective, and of good quality. The signing of the agreement in Kigali reaffirms the country’s position as a hub for health and medical innovation, and it is expected to transform Africa’s pharmaceutical industry for the better.
