The Minister of Health discusses strengthening pharmacovigilance systems with representatives of the World Health Organization
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, received today, Saturday, representatives of the World Health Organization; To discuss ways to strengthen pharmacovigilance systems among population groups, and ensure the safety of medicines and vaccines.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Health and Population, explained that the meeting dealt with the exchange of international experiences in the field of drug and vaccine safety, while reviewing the global strategy for smart pharmacovigilance (Smart PV) that the organization launched in October 2024 in India, during the International Conference of Regulatory Authorities. For medicines, with the aim of benefiting from previous experiences, adopting an approach based on risk assessment and prioritization, enhancing cooperation between partners, and integrating pharmacovigilance within the health system.
Abdul Ghaffar pointed out: The Minister received an invitation to attend the regional meeting and workshops of the Pharmacovigilance Group (PVG) of the Department of Regulatory and Prequalification at the World Health Organization, scheduled to be held on October 28 and 29, with the participation of the Egyptian Medicines Authority, and in cooperation with the organization and its regional and country offices in Egypt, along with representatives of pharmacovigilance and immunization programs from member states.
He added that the meeting The final panel of the group will include a high-level dialogue to discuss a new draft resolution on smart pharmacovigilance, in preparation for its presentation during the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 2026, under the title: “Promoting smart pharmacovigilance as an essential element to enable strong, sustainable and resilient health systems to ensure health for all and in every way.” place». The proposed decision aims to reduce gaps between countries, and enhance protection from harmful interactions with drugs and vaccines, especially in low- and middle-income countries, through optimal use of resources, exchange of experiences, and integration of pharmacovigilance within national health systems.
He said that the Minister directed Dr. Mohamed Hassani, Assistant Minister for Health Initiatives Affairs, By participating in formulating recommendations with a focus on women of childbearing age and children, he stressed that Egypt’s hosting of this international event comes within the framework of its commitment to support the organization’s efforts to enhance global health security, develop drug monitoring systems and control the quality and safety of medical products, in a way that ensures health and safety for citizens.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar stated that 405 hospitals have accounts on the platform. VigiFlow to submit reports on the impact of medicines and vaccines, through 516 coordinators.
For her part, Dr. Shanthi Pal, head of the WHO pharmacovigilance team, indicated that the events will include plenary sessions and workshops that discuss standardizing pharmacovigilance data and terminology among member states, measuring performance indicators and progress in drug safety programs, and detection On safety signals for women and children, exchanging information on risk management plans related to pregnancy and the use of medications for children, and promoting innovation through artificial intelligence technologies and digital applications to improve monitoring and analysis.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Abla Alfi, Deputy Minister for Population and Family Development Affairs; Dr. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister for Preventive Affairs; Dr. Yassin Rajai, Assistant to the President of the Pharmaceutical Authority for Media Affairs, Community Communication and Investment Support in the Pharmaceutical Industry Sector, and Dr. Zainab Al-Sadr, Assistant to the Deputy Minister; Dr. Hend Ashour, Director General of the General Administration of Pharmacy; Dr. Dalia Rasheed, Director General of the General Administration of Grants and Loans; Dr. Susan Zanati, Director General of the General Department of External Health Relations; From the World Health Organization, Dr. Nima Abed, the organization’s representative in Egypt; And Dr. Mona Maarouf, the organization’s pharmaceutical coordinator.
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