Angola has committed to reaching international pharmaceutical regulatory standards by 2027 as the country positions itself to join the global push for local medicine production.
The Angola Medicines and Health Technologies Regulatory Agency (ARMED) aims to achieve Maturity Level 3 status, the internationally recognized benchmark for functional regulatory systems capable of ensuring safe, effective medicines reach the national market.
“At the World Health Assembly, there was extensive discussion about the local production of medicines. Angola cannot be left out of this movement,” Mayembe said.
The commitment emerged from a 3-5 June meeting where 25 ARMED professionals worked with World Health Organisation experts to assess progress and update the country’s Institutional Development Plan through 2027.
The session, funded by the European Union, reviewed advances made since regulatory assessments in 2022 and February 2024.
WHO experts from Geneva headquarters and regional offices analysed Angola’s regulatory system using international benchmarking tools and Quality Management System principles.
The review found that while progress has been made, implementation pace needs acceleration to meet the 2027 target.
“Medicines and medical products are fundamental for access to health care and it is essential to guarantee their quality so that the goal of health for all can be achieved,” said WHO Representative in Angola Indrajit Hazarika.
The regulatory upgrade comes as Angola seeks to attract pharmaceutical sector investment and develop local drug manufacturing capacity.
Regular monitoring meetings will track progress, identify obstacles and adjust strategies to maintain alignment with international standards, officials said.
The initiative represents part of WHO’s ongoing support to strengthen Angola’s pharmaceutical oversight system.
JN/APA