It was an enlightening and instructive meeting of great minds as intellectuals in the pharmaceutical industry, medical personnel, academics, government functionaries, legal practitioners as well as stake holders in the health sector converged for an International Conference on the theme: Improving Access to Quality Medicines through Appropriate Legislations and Policies.
The conference, which was held on 29th and 30th August, 2017 at the Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, was organised by the Centre for Drug Discovery, Development and Production (CDDDP), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, to have stakeholders in various relevant fields discuss about the problems as well as the laws regulating access to quality medicines.
The conference witnessed a large turnout of dignitaries and participants, among whom are; the Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof Abel Idowu Olayinka, ably represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Prof Olanike Adeyemo; the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, represented by the Director of Food and Drugs in the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Chukuma Gloria Modupe; the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Prof Oluwatoyin Odeku.
Other personalities present at the programme are; the Chief Party Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM) Programme, Dr Chimezie Anyahora, U.S Pharmacopeial Convention(USP), Olanike Adedeji(Mrs), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),Paul Tanui,NEPAD Senior Programme Officer, Technical Support Medicines Reglatory Harmonization (AMRH) Initiative, Oloye Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli , Former secretary to Oyo state government,the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Anthony Elujoba, a professor of Pharmacy; Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital (UCH), Professor Temitope Alonge; the Dean of Faculty of Pharamcy, UI, Professor Oluwatoyin Odeku . the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Oyo State branch Pharmacist Abiodun Ajibade and Pharm. Ahmed Gana Mohammed, Head of Unit Drug Manufacturing Unit, Amino Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano Nigeria.
Participants at the CDDDP International Conference
The participants at the two-day conference brain-stormed on the theme: Critical Appraisal of Regulations Guiding Access to Quality Medicines in Africa on the first day of the conference, while the second day of the event was focused on theme: Strategies for Improving Access to quality Medicines in Wes Africa Sub-Region.
DAY ONE: Critical Appraisal of Regulations Guiding Access to Quality Medicines in Africa
CDDDP Director exposes Challenges of Access to Medicines
In the light of the problems of adequate health care bedevilling Africa, The Director of Centre for Drug Discovery, Development and Production (CDDDP), Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola during her welcome address, revealed that the major challenge affecting quality health care in Africa is poor access to essential medicines, especially among rural dwellers in Africa.
The Director of CDDDP, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola giving her Welcome Address at the CDDDP International Conference
While welcoming guests to the conference, the CDDDP Boss explained that poor access to essential drugs is the major reason for high mortality rate in Africa. She noted that one of the reasons why access to medicines is difficult is because of their expensiveness and inaccessibility to many rural dwellers.
Prof Babalola stated that it is time for a critical appraisal of the access to quality medicines in order to ensure better health care in Africa, hence the need for the international conference to address the issue.
She further noted that some of the objectives of the conference are to review policies guiding access to medicine in Nigeria; to identify the challenges affecting access to essential medicines in Nigeria as well as to promote quick access to quality medicines in Africa.
Health Minister encourages Locally-manufactured Medicines
As part of the need to create employment and to ensure better access to medicines in Nigeria, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole has explained that encouraging locally-manufactured medicines has been one of his major focus since his assumption in office.
The Health Minister who spoke through his representative, the Director of Food and Drugs, Ministry of Health, Mrs Gloria Modupe, commended CDDDP, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan for organising the conference which he described as timely and important.
While acknowledging the presence of agencies like; NAFDAC and PSN, the Health Minister further advised that all recommendations made during the course of the conference must be effectively implemented to ensure better health care in the country.
Stakeholders evaluate Pharmacy Regulatory Laws
As part of the need to ensure the availability of medicines to Africans as well as to discourage the abuse of medicines, stakeholders in the legal and pharmaceutical industry have critically apprised the regulatory laws of guiding pharmacy and medicine in Nigeria and Africa in general.
The Chairman Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Board of Fellows, Barrister Chinedu Mordi presenting his paper at the CDDDP International Conference
The Chairman Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Board of Fellows, Barrister Chinedu Mordi, in his paper titled: A Critique of Relevant Laws Governing Medicine Regulatory in Nigeria, described some of the regulatory laws of guiding pharmacy and medicine in Nigeria as obsolete.
While noting that medicines and pharmaceutical chemicals are prone to adulteration and misuse, Barr Mordi, who is also a Pharmacist, explained that it is important that laws and regulations be implemented to prevent medicine misuse and abuse, as well as to keep dispensation of drugs in order.
Barr Mordi identified various laws and acts that were promulgated over the years to regulate access to medicine in Nigeria to include; Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Act of 1982, Poisons and Pharmacy Laws, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Act as well as Counterfeit and Adulterated Drug Act.
The Senior Programme Officer of African Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation (AMRH), Paul Tanui at the CDDDP International Conference
In his paper titled ‘African Union Model Law on Medical Product Regulation’, the Senior Programme Officer of African Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation (AMRH), Paul Tanui expounded on overview and benefits of the African Union Model Law on Medical Products Regulation and Harmonisation in Africa.
According to Pharmacist Tanui, the AU Model Law on Medical Products Regulation and Harmonisation in Africa was officially endorsed in Ethiopia in 2016. He noted that the law aims to address legislative gaps that hamper effective medicines regulation and regional harmonisation
He further stated that the AU Model Law was enacted to ensure a systematic approach for the development of a harmonised legislation on medicines regulation in African countries, adding that the major benefit of the law is to safeguard public health.
While acknowledging the importance of passing laws that will regulate medicine and pharmaceutical products in Africa, both speakers at the second plenary of the conference however, stressed that the government must have that political will to implement these enacted laws in order to ensure good health care delivery in Africa.
NAFDAC Acting DG expounds on Good Manufacturing Practice
The Acting Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Yetunde Oni revealed during the conference that one of the important ways of achieving quality medicine in Nigeria is to ensure good manufacturing practice for the production of medicines and other pharmaceutical products.
Mrs Oni who was represented by the Director of EER, Dr Monica Emujeze, in her presentation titled ‘Good Manufacturing Practice: An Important Aspect to Achieving Quality Medicine’ explained that Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) ensures that pharmaceutical products are consistently produced and controlled to ensure quality products.
The Director of EER, Dr Monica Emujeze representing the Acting DG NAFDAC, Mrs Yetunde Oni at the CDDDP International Conference
While stressing that quality assurance among other factors are critical aspects of GMP, the NAFDAC Acting DG noted that quality medicines require quality culture. She further stressed the importance of quality medicine to the development of Nigeria’s health sector,
Mrs Oni therefore, encouraged medicine manufacturers to produce quality drugs, adding that quality assurance is the collective responsibilities of all Nigerians. “Ensuring the production of quality medicines is the duty of everyone in the country not just NAFDAC. So, we should collaborate to stamp out substandard drugs form our country,” she said.
CDDDP confers awards of Honour to Stake Holders in Health Sector
In appreciation of their contributions to the medical and health industry, the Centre for Drug Discovery, Development and Production (CDDDP), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan which is funded by the MacArthur Foundation, conferred awards of recognition to some eminent personalities at its international conference.
The Director of CDDDP, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola who presented the awards to the honoured recipients stated that the awards were in acknowledgement of the laudable efforts of some Nigerians who have served meritoriously in ensuring access to basic health care.
Among the recipients of the awards are; the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole for his contributions toward improving maternal and child health in Nigeria; the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi for her effort in providing easy access to basic medical care through ABC Foundation.
Mrs Dolapo Oyedipe recieving an Award on behalf of the First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi at the CDDDP International Conference
The Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko was awarded for the laudable health policies he implemented while he was the governor of Ondo State. The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharmacist Ahmed Yakasai was honoured for his contribution in improving the pharmacy profession in Nigeria.
Also awarded at the ceremony was the Registrar of Pharmacist Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Elijah Mohamed for his efforts in improving laws and regulations for access to medicines in Nigeria. The Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Michael Adeyemo was honoured for his role in passing the health care bill in the State.
The Director General of National Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Mr Y.H Gbdaegesin was also given an award of recognition for his contributions on the fight against Ebola Virus Diesease and LASSA. The Committee Chairman on Health in the Senate, Senator Olanrewaju Tejuosho who was awarded for his contribution towards reducing counterfeit medicine in Nigeria, while Engineer Aderemi Olaniyan was awarded for his philanthropic efforts in the area of health.
Speaking at the ceremony, the First lady of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi who was represented by Mrs Dolapo Oyedipe appreciated CDDDP for their efforts in organising the conference. She reiterated the commitment to ensuring good access to free basic medical care and cancer prevention services in the state.
Deputy Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Abdulwasi speaking after receiving an award on behalf of the Speaker, Hon Michael Adeyemo at the CDDDP International Conference
In his own address, the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Michael Adeyemo represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Abdulwasi commended the Centre for their efforts. He noted that the Oyo State House of Assembly is focused on passing laws that will improve the health sector in the state. He also assured that the deliberations made at the conference will be considered by the House.
Representative of Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko receiving an award on behalf of the Ex-Governor at the CDDDP International Conference
The representative of ex-Governor Olusegun Mimiko also commended the contributions of CDDDP in the health sector, adding that he is committed to setting up an organisation that will champion the cause of good access to health care in the country.
DAY TWO: Strategies for Improving Access to quality Medicines in Wes Africa Sub-Region
Stakeholders proffer Solutions to Medicine Inaccessibility
Having brain-stormed on the factors militating against access to quality medicines as well as the legislations regulating the accessibility and affordability of essential medicines, participants at the CDDDP International Conference, on Wednesday, 30th August, 2017, proposed possible solutions to the problems of drugs inaccessibility in Africa.
The National Programme Specialist, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Pharmacist Olanike Adedeji, during her presentation, explained the important roles that donor agencies play in the distribution of medicines. She noted that UNFPA has been actively involved in conducting an annual survey to check on the availability of medicines in the country.
Pharmacist Adenike stressed the need for proper training of health care workers, improved regulations on the quality of medicines procured and distributed in these health care facilities. She said “We need to have improved regulations and there should be collaboration among existing regulatory agencies to ensure that enacted policies are implemented.”
Also speaking at the conference, the Registrar of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, Pharmacist Elijah Mohammed presented a paper on registration of premises towards medicine availability where he proposed collaboration of all the level of governments with security agencies like the Civil Defence Corps to shut down illegal drug outlets.
The South West Zonal Coordinator for NAFDAC, Mrs Yetunde Adenuga who presented a paper on behalf of the Director of Pharmacovigilance/Post Marketing Surveillance, NAFDAC, Pharmacist Ali Ibrahim expounded on the importance of pharmacovigilance in improving access to quality medicines and other regulated products.
While defining pharmacovigilance as activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse drug reaction, drug abuse and misuse, she explained that one of the mandates of NAFDAC is to carry out pharmacovigilance on marketing authorisation holders who own and register medical products.
Mrs Adenuga encouraged the public to join NAFDAC in participating in pharmacovigilance by reporting the activities of peddlers of fake drugs and illegal drug sales outlets. She said “we believe that with the new drug distribution policy system, we will be able to reduce the outlets of illegal medicines to the barest minimum.”
On the importation and distribution of medicines, Mrs Adenuga proposed that to curb importation of substandard medical products, there must be increased collaboration with public health programmes where medicines are used for a long period of time. She assured that phamacovigilance has been infused into the public health programmes to ensure access to safe medicines.
Participants commend CDDDP’s Initiative
Participants and guests at the CDDDP International Conference who spoke to CEOAfrica expressed delight and satisfaction at the engaging deliberations on issues affecting access to and legislations regulating quality medicines in Africa, adding that the discourse was timely and enlightening.
Director of CDDDP, Professor Babalola speaking to CEOAfrica at the CDDDP International Conference
Speaking to CEOAfrica, the Director of CDDDP, Professor Babalola explained that CDDDP, funded by MacArthur Foundation, was established to ensure that Africans have access to quality medicines through research, development and policies. She said “Our aim is for Africans to be empowered to make, to regulate, to distribute their own quality medicines.
“The objective of this conference was minds to come together from different sectors to talk about the problems with access to medicines, the effectiveness of existing policies on medicine regulations and the ways to improve access to quality medicines by Africans, because every human being deserves to have access to quality medicine.”
Prof Babalola further explained that the desire of the Centre is to bridge the gap between that academic community and the policy makers; between the regulators and the industry as well as between the industry and the public who are the consumers.
Chairman of the Organising Committee of the IInternational Conference, Pharmacist Michael Durowaiye speaking with CEOAfrica at the CDDDP International Conference
The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the IInternational Conference, Pharmacist Michael Durowaiye explained that the conference was born out of a need to fill a gap that prevents Nigerians from getting access to quality medicines.
“We decided to look at the root of the problem which is our laws and legislations addressing quality medicines. That is where the ideas came from. If we are able to address that legislations and policies, we will be able to improve access to medicines,” he said.
In his own opinion, the Head of Department of the Drug Manufacturing Unit, Pharmacist Ahmed Gana Muhammed who spoke to CEOAfrica commended the effort of the organisers of the conference. He noted that it is imperative to discuss the policies and enforcement of regulations to ensure safe and quality drugs.
Oyo State Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharmacist Abiodun Ajibade speaking with CEOAfrica at the CDDDP International Conference
The Oyo State Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharmacist Abiodun Ajibade who also spoke with CEOAfrica explained that without adequate laws and policies in place, access to safe medicines will be challenged, hence the need to review such policies. He revealed that PSN is moving to collaborate with regulatory agencies and the government to ensure that quality drugs are accessible to the populace.
Speaking about the benefit of the conference, he said “We all know that the importation of counterfeit and fake drugs is very high. That is why it is important to hold this type of conference to ensure that the people in government will know the implication of substandard drugs so that they will fashion out more laws and regulations that will aid good drug distribution and availability.”
