Perspectives on medicines safety in Africa
Medicines for Africa contributes independent perspectives to strengthen informed action to protect patients from unsafe medicines in African markets. Our thought leadership contributes to the conversation about the nature of regulatory actions needed to strengthen the evolving landscape of medicines and patient safety across the continent.
In the news
Inaugural Africa Patient Safety Summit 2026
As featured on CNBC Africa, Medicines for Africa will convene the inaugural Africa Patient Safety Summit 2026 in partnership with the African Medicines Agency on 16–17 September 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda. Under the theme "Advancing Patient Safety Through Collective Action to Prevent Medication-Related Harm."
Selected contributions
Re-imagining patient safety globally
In this Utano Podcast episode, Dr. Lenias Hwenda speaks with Prof. Henrietta Hughes, the world's first Patient Safety Commissioner, about the role of independent patient advocacy in shaping the future of medicines safety and lessons relevant to African health systems.
Unifying Pharmacovigilance in africa
In this opinion piece, we examine the foundations of pharmacovigilance systems across Africa, noting progress alongside fragmentation and uneven implementation. Strengthening coordination under the leadership of the African Medicines Agency could support the transition toward a more coherent and responsive pharmacovigilance framework that better protects patients.
Timely Patient Access to Innovation in Africa
Watch Dr. Lenias Hwenda speak to CNBC Africa Power Lunch about a new long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis option that may significantly accelerate HIV prevention efforts. The discussion explores implications for rapid regulatory review by African regulators, rapid rollout and patient safety in African markets. This case highlights how effective collaboration between regulators, manufacturers and health systems and other partners can transform safe access to new product innovations in Africa.
The African Medicines Agency Establishes Structured Support for Local Manufacturers
The decision by the African Medicines Agency to prioritise establishing structured support for small and medium-sized pharmaceutical manufacturers and innovators is a highly consequential one for how the continent approaches health, industry, economic development and security. This op-ed explores how regulatory frameworks can be leveraged to strengthen local production, build supply chain resilience, and advance homegrown pharmaceutical innovation across Africa.
Our Focus
Our insights focus on:
- Protecting patients from unsafe medicines, including substandard and falsified medical products
- Strengthening regulatory systems and cross-sector collaboration
- Safeguarding the integrity of medicines markets across Africa
These themes reflect the focus of our work and areas of continued engagement.
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