The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) recently welcomed representatives from the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation Secretariat, the African Medicines Quality Forum (AMQF) and the Gates Foundation to Strasbourg for a study visit. This gathering marked an important milestone in the EDQM’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development of robust regulatory systems worldwide. The EDQM has been working with the AMQF since 2018, when it participated for the first time in the annual meeting of the forum in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

During the visit, the EDQM reaffirmed its strong support for the establishment and development of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) and National Quality Control Laboratories (NQCLs). Independent control laboratories play a crucial role in improving public health by ensuring the quality and safety of medicines across the African continent.

Although primarily a European organisation, the EDQM recognises that public health challenges are global in nature, requiring international co-operation and harmonisation. By sharing its extensive experience in co-ordinating the General European OMCL Network (GEON) and developing globally harmonised standards, the EDQM aims to contribute to better access to quality medicines worldwide.

The EDQM also outlined its plans to propose two support initiatives aligned with the AMQF’s 2025 priorities: further development of the AMQF network and targeted support for individual NQCLs, particularly those involved in vaccine and small molecule testing, as well as in testing for falsified medicines.

This visit highlights the EDQM’s commitment to fostering global partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange and enhancing its impact on public health through collaborative efforts.

See also:

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• OMCL Network welcomes Türkiye as a full member