Uganda Hosts ISOP Africa Conference - National Drug Authority

Uganda is Hosting the first conference in Africa of the  International Society of Pharmacovigilance (ISoP) .

This is a professional, independent non-profit society, open to anyone with an interest in the safe and effective use of medicinal products and effects of drugs on users in Africa.

The conference brings together regulators, researchers, representatives from industry and other stakeholders in pharmacovigilance across the African continent.

Pharmacovigilance is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine/vaccine related problem. All medicines and vaccines undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy through clinical trials before they are authorized for use.

The meeting has  brought together over 300 participants from across Africa to discuss issues pertinent to medicine safety.

Through the regional and country chapters, ISoP supports management of country and regional specific pharmacovigilance challenges.

Medicine safety is a global challenge and adverse events from medicine use have been reported to be one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Globally, adverse drug reactions have been reported to be the 4th  to 6th leading cause of death.

In Uganda, up to 20% of hospital admissions are as a result of adverse  drug reactions.

Dr. David Nahamya  the Executive Director National Drug Authority says they are working in collaboration with ISOP Africa chapter has prioritized strengthening of Pharmacovigilance systems to minimize risk and maximize the benefit of the various medicinal products used in Africa.

National Drug Authority in collaboration with National regulator's has also been hailed for detection of the adverse effects in one of the ARV drugs using the National laboratory at mulago and reporting to the manufacturer in collaboration with  African member states.

This In-person conference is running from the 22^nd to 24^th July 2024 at the Speke resort Munyonyo.