Victor EzejaThe National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has listed the benefits of getting the World Health Organisation (WHO) Prequalification of its Central Drug Control Laboratory (CDCL) improving health care system in Nigeria.
In a statement, the Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the world health body granted Pre-qualification status to its CDCL in Yaba Lagos State in September.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelShe said the WHO Prequalification Status to the CDCL, signifies a milestone in NAFDAC’s dedication to ensuring the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products.
She remarked that it is a “huge landmark achievement for the Agency and Nigeria,” adding that “Very few laboratories in the world have the apex status of WHO Prequalification.”
Prof. Adeyeye said the agency’s journey towards achieving the Pre-qualification status started in 2010 and came to fruition through robust commitment of the management and the Federal Government.
“The WHO Prequalification of the CDCL is a testament to the unwavering commitment of NAFDAC to meeting international standards of excellence in drug quality control and regulation. This prestigious recognition brings numerous benefits to CDCL, NAFDAC, and, most importantly, to the Nigerian people.”
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According to her, the facility would help in ensuring that Nigerians have access to high-quality healthcare products, adding that it would lead to significant improvement of the public health system.
Key benefits of the WHO Prequalification of NAFDAC CDCL
The NAFDAC DG listed the benefits to include the following:
Enhanced Pharmaceutical Quality: The prequalification of CDCL ensures that the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines tested and certified by the laboratory meet the highest international standards. This directly translates to improved access to safe and effective medicines for the Nigerian populace.
Advancing Public Health: The CDCL plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public health by ensuring that substandard and counterfeit medicines do not reach the market. With WHO Prequalification, its impact in this regard will be even more profound, protecting Nigerian patients from potentially harmful products.
Streamlined Regulatory Processes: WHO Prequalification can lead to streamlined regulatory processes, facilitating the faster approval of essential medicines in Nigeria and beyond.
Advancing Nigeria’s Healthcare System: The recognition of the NAFDAC CDCL by WHO is a significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, ensuring that Nigerians have access to high-quality healthcare products. For NAFDAC as a regulator, it further enhances our pedigree as we work towards Maturity Level 4, to become a World listed Authority.
Global Recognition: WHO Prequalification Status is a globally recognized badge of honor that attests to the CDCL’s competence in assuring the quality of pharmaceutical products. It places CDCL among an elite group of laboratories worldwide known for their excellence in drug analysis.
International Collaboration: CDCL’s new status opens doors to international collaboration with regulatory bodies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and global health organizations. This collaboration will strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector and contribute to advancing healthcare access in the region.
Enhanced Credibility: This prestigious status enhances NAFDAC’s credibility on the global stage and reinforces the trust of stakeholders, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare providers, and patients.
The NAFDAC DG the expressed appreciation to the Minister of Health, the agency’s management, CDCL staff, for their commitment and dedication that made it possible to get the Pre-qualification status.
She also thanked WHO Nigeria Country Office, and other partners for their support.
She added that they are excited about the possibilities that this recognition brings and would continue working to uphold the highest standards of pharmaceutical quality control and regulation, while also leveraging the achievement to strengthen their partnerships, and contribute to the overall improvement of public health in Nigeria and the West African region.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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