Rwanda Food and Drug Authority delegation in Zimbabwe

A five-member delegation from the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority is in Zimbabwe for a study tour of the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe‘s quality management systems, which are ranked along the best on the continent.

Rwanda FDA Quality Assurance Analyst Theogene Ndayambaje applauded Zimbabwe’s quality management systems saying his country has a lot to learn from Zimbabwe.

“Rwanda FDA having a similar mandate with the MCAZ, and being a new authority established in Rwanda, it has come to our end that MCAZ is one of the authorities we can rely on. We have identified the MCAZ as having a well-established and good-quality management system. That is why we have requested your management to accept us to come and learn from you. We are happy for this activity and to be accepted.

“Throughout this week, we hope to learn a lot following what the quality management system looks like. How it helps the authority achieve its mandate, missions and visions. We all know it is a well-established Quality management system and having accepted to be hosted throughout this week, we hope we will learn more about how processes are interrelated, how the implementation is ensured, how compliance to quality objectives and the implementation is monitored throughout in quality management system framework,” he said.

The delegation was welcomed by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) Head of Licencing, Mrs Caroline Dandira.

Mrs Dandira stressed the importance of such collaborations between African drug authorities.

“As we gather here, we recognise the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in advancing our respective medicines regulatory systems. The opportunity to host the Rwandan delegation is a testament to the growing recognition of MCAZ’s expertise in ensuring quality standards in pharmaceuticals.

“Collaboration between African medicines regulatory bodies is of utmost importance for several reasons especially with the coming into existence of Africa Medicines Agency (AMA). Firstly, it allows for the harmonization of regulatory standards and practices across different countries, ensuring that medicines meet the necessary safety, efficacy, and quality requirements. This is crucial in preventing the circulation of substandard or counterfeit drugs within the continent,” she said.

She added, “Secondly, collaboration enables the sharing of information and resources among regulatory bodies, facilitating a more efficient and effective regulatory process. By pooling their expertise and experiences, these bodies can collectively address challenges such as drug shortages or emerging health threats.

“Collaboration fosters a unified voice in international discussions on pharmaceutical regulations, enabling African countries to have a stronger influence on global health policies and ensuring that their specific needs are taken into account.”

Collaboration between African medicines regulatory bodies has over the years proven to be essential in safeguarding public health, promoting access to safe and effective medicines and advancing the continent’s healthcare systems.

The week-long visit will see Zimbabwe and Rwanda engage in a programme that will provide insights into regulatory frameworks, processes, and strategies for effective quality management.

Rwanda and Zimbabwe have an existing framework of cooperation in several sectors including the education sector where a group of Zimbabwean teachers are providing technical expertise in Rwanda.

PM