Uganda Signs Treaty for Establishment of African Medicines Agency

Uganda has November 3, signed the treaty for the establishment of the African Medicines Agency (AMA).

The signing ceremony was presided over by the Ugandan Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ambassador Rebecca. A. Otengo.

According to Abiaz Rwamwiri the National Drug Authority Public Relations Manager, Uganda became the 26th Member State to sign the treaty which comes into force on November 5, 2021.

The Assembly of Heads of State and Government, at its 32nd ordinary session decision Assembly/AU/Dec.735(XXXII) reaffirmed the Executive Council 34th ordinary session decision EX.CL/1141(XXXIV) to establish the African Medicines Agency placing an emphasis on investment in regulatory capacity strengthening.

The AMA Treaty

The African Medicines Agency is to be established by Treaty. It is a Specialized Agency of the African Union with its own rules, membership and resources to enhance the capacity of State Parties and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), to regulate medical products in order to improve access to quality, safe and efficacious medical products on the continent.

According to the African Union, The main purpose of AMA shall be to coordinate on-going regulatory systems, strengthen and harmonize efforts of the African Union-recognized RECs, RHOs and Member States.

Provide regulatory guidance, complement and enhance collaboration and contribute to improving patients’ access to quality, safe and efficacious medical products and health technologies on the continent.

The Africa Medicines Agency shall also build on the strengthened capacity of medical products regulation in Africa and the harmonization of regulatory systems, within the context of the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) Initiative.