Substandard and falsified medical products (EB152)
On 1 February 2023, IPSF submitted a statement at the 152nd session of the Executive Board at the World Health Organization in Geneva. The statement was delivered on behalf of IPSF, IAPO, and IFPMA for the agenda item related to substandard and falsified medical products.
The International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF), the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO), and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) thank you for the opportunity to make this statement.
We agree and support the draft list of prioritized activities to implement the workplan of the Member State mechanism for the period 2022–2023, in particular the objective to strengthen the capacity of national/regional regulatory authorities for the prevention and detection of, and response to, substandard and falsified medical products.
The African Medicines Agency (AMA) creates an unprecedented opportunity for improved regulatory reliance and strengthening resulting in improved security of supply chains to better fight against substandard and falsified medicines.
The WHO estimated that 42 percent of all fake medicines reported to the WHO from 2013 to 2017 came from Africa.
A strong, unified, and coordinated regulatory system would greatly contribute to combating falsified and substandard medicinal products on the African continent by means of enhanced market surveillance, centralized information collection, and sharing of data between countries.
We believe it is critical to operationalize the African Medicines Agency. This new Agency is an integral part of the WHO Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2020-2030 and its implementation should go hand in hand with awareness raising, political engagement, and health system strengthening initiatives.
Statement on behalf of:
- International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF)
- International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO)
- International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA)
About IFPMA
IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere.
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To achieve this, we act as a trusted partner, bringing our members' expertise to champion pharmaceutical innovation, drive policy that supports the research, development, and delivery of health technologies, and create sustainable solutions that advance global health.
