Hwenda: Harmonisation of standards critical for Africa’s health sector

Africa is at a critical juncture in its quest for health sovereignty and sustainable economic growth, with significant investments pouring into the continent's pharmaceutical industry. The disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the urgent need to bridge gaps in the manufacturing and distribution of vaccines and medicines within the region. CNBC Africa's Aby Agina recently engaged in a conversation with Lenias Hwenda, Founder & CEO of Medicines for Africa, SA, shedding light on the pivotal role of the upcoming Africa Medicines Agency and the recent €14 million funding injection from the European Commission and the African Union. The European Commission's commitment to support the African Medicines Agency underlines a strategic shift towards harmonizing standards and boosting local manufacturing capacities in Africa. This initiative is not only aimed at enhancing access to essential medical products but also at fortifying the continent's health sovereignty amid the challenges posed by substandard and counterfeit medicines. As African countries make strides in bolstering their pharmaceutical sectors, regulatory harmonization and quality assurance stand out as key imperatives for sustainable growth. The push for self-reliance in medicine production is not only a health prerogative but also a catalytic driver for economic development and job creation across the continent.