11th August 2023
ZAMRA CONDUCTS PHARMACOVIGILANCE TRAINING FOR HEALTH WORKERS FROM PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES
The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) is mandated to monitor the safety of medicines and allied substances through the implementation of a robust Pharmacovigilance system.
In order to enhance effectiveness in this area, the Authority has held a two day training program for health workers from private facilities aimed at equipping trainees with knowledge and skills to help them detect, manage and report Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and other medicines related problems.
In a speech read on his behalf by Principal Surveillance Officer – CT/PV/DI, Mrs. Mwewa Siame, the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority Director- General Mr. Makomani Siyanga thanked all the participants for taking part in the training, and emphasised the importance of Pharmacovigilance in the process of ensuring that both medicines and allied substances are of highest quality and are safe for consumers.
“Since 2018 ZAMRA has trained and oriented more than 1,600 Healthcare practitioners in Pharmacovigilance and safety monitoring of medicines and Allied Substances”, he said.
Mr Siyanga implored all health practitioners present to actively take part in Pharmacovigilance activities.
The training which was held on the 10th and 11th of August 2023 at Mkango Golf View in Lusaka, is the Authority’s effort to raise mentors in the implementation of Pharmacovigilance in their various facilities.
Topics shared at this training included; Introduction to Pharmacovigilance: history, development and goals, The Pharmacovigilance System in Zambia and Roles of Stakeholders, Managing Medicine related problems, Overview of Adverse Drug Reactions, Diagnosis and Management of Adverse Drug Reactions, as well as Reporting ADRs, Adverse Events Following Immunisations (AEFIs), Medication Errors and Product Quality Problems.
