Latest news with #sustainablehealthcare
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and AstraZeneca launch an asthma inhaler recycling initiative
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, has today announced its collaboration with global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, to launch the 'Pure Air Solution' (PAS) initiative. This partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focuses on the recycling of asthma inhalers. While demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable healthcare practices, this initiative also addresses the urgent need to reduce the healthcare sector's carbon footprint, which currently contributes to approximately 5% of the world's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi, chief executive officer at SSMC, said: 'By implementing a comprehensive inhaler recycling programme, SSMC and AstraZeneca are taking a significant step towards mitigating environmental harm, which aligns with the UAE's vision for net-zero carbon emissions, by 2050.' Through the strategic placement of collection bins across SSMC's key clinics and pharmacies, the initiative will encourage asthma patients to participate in inhaler recycling. The partnership will also prioritise robust educational campaigns on asthma management and the importance of recycling – empowering both patients and staff at SSMC to engage in responsible disposal practices. Dr. Al Kaabi, added: 'The PAS initiative is further testament to SSMC's leadership in proactive environmental stewardship within the healthcare sector. By launching this programme, we are taking decisive strides towards a healthier, more sustainable future, while setting a precedent and establishing a benchmark for responsible healthcare practices, within the region.' Sameh El Fangary, cluster president for GCC and Pakistan at AstraZeneca, shared: 'Partnering with SSMC reflects our shared commitment to advancing innovative and sustainable respiratory care. This collaboration aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with inhaler use, aligning with our integrated approach to health—addressing both patient outcomes and environmental considerations.' Project leads Dr. Haytham Shahata, research clinical pharmacist, and Dr. Lubna Issa, drug store operations manager at SSMC, said: 'Inhalers, among the most prevalent medical devices used in the UAE, account for nearly 80% of inhaler-related GHG output.1 This is largely attributable to hydrofluorocarbon propellants, which are up to 2,500 times more potent than carbon dioxide and can remain in the atmosphere for over 200 years.2,3 With 96% of an inhaler's climate impact stemming from these potent emissions, the PAS initiative is designed to significantly minimise the carbon footprint of respiratory care.4' The PAS initiative reinforces the power of collaborative innovation in building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. By fostering a culture of recycling and education, SSMC and AstraZeneca are taking the lead in advancing sustainable healthcare practices across the UAE, ultimately benefiting patients and the broader community by ensuring long-term health and environmental well-being. For media inquiries, please contact: Fadya Al Kathairi Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City Email: falkathairi@ Afaf El-Sharkawy 9Yards Communications Email: References Alzaabi A, Bell JP, Montero-Arias F, et al. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Respiratory Treatments: Results from the SABA CARBON International Study. Adv Ther. 2023;40(11):4836-4856. doi:10.1007/s12325-023-02663-2. Jeswani HK, Azapagic A. Life cycle environmental impacts of inhalers. J Clean Prod. 2019;237:117733. doi:10.1016/ Borgford-Parnell N, Beaugrand M, Andersen SO, Zaelke D. Phasing Down the Use of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Contrib Pap Seiz Glob Oppor Partnersh Better Growth Better Clim. New Clim Econ. 2015. PSNC Briefing 024.21. Reducing the climate change impact of inhalers: environmentally safe disposal. August 2021. About Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City is one of the largest tertiary hospitals in the UAE offering the highest standards of medical expertise for the treatment of serious and complex conditions. Established in 2019, SSMC has 660 patient beds, 18 operating theatres, including a hybrid operating room and a 26-bed neonatal intensive care unit. Supported by the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities available, SSMC offers care in 46 specialties, bringing advanced and trusted quality care closer to the UAE and the wider region. For more information on Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City or to book an appointment, please visit: About PureHealth PureHealth is the largest healthcare group in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 100+ hospitals, 300+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centres, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind. By advancing the Science of Longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world. PureHealth's network comprises: SEHA – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE SEHA CLINICS - Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services Daman (The National Health Insurance Company) – The UAE's leading health insurer The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE Rafed – The UAE's largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region One Health – A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi's first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment Ardent Health Services – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US Circle Health Group – The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) - the largest private healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus PureCS - A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) – The UAE's largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care To learn more, please visit
Malay Mail
01-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
EPF savings for health insurance: Each ringgit withdrawn today is one less for tomorrow.
JULY 1 — Malaysia's decades-long discussion on sustainable healthcare financing saw a new development with the emergence of a government proposal to allow withdrawals from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to pay for private health insurance. Though additional details are still forthcoming, it is possible to discuss what is being proposed. The proposed MHIT (medical health insurance and takaful) initiative appears to be an adaption of existing Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and EPF programmes which aimed to encourage low income Malaysians to invest in life and critical illness policies, Perlindungan Tenang and i-Lindung respectively. i-Lindung specifically involves integrating protection products into EPF retirement savings. The Perlindungan Tenang programme, providing micro-insurance and takaful products through more than 2 dozen insurance and takaful industry players and targeting lower incomes and rural areas, has been around since 2017. These are priced as low as RM30 annually providing limited but affordable protection. The use of subsidised RM 50–75 vouchers to purchase Tenang products resulted in the number of policyholders increasing from 40,000 to 4 million within a year. However, the Madani government ended the voucher programme in June 2023 after noting though the subsidy cost was RM 200 million, there were a low number of claims from policyholders. It is not known how many are still participating in this programme today. The methodology of using EPF's Account 2 for purchasing insurance and takaful products is not new. EPF members' contributions are now divided into a 75:15:10 ratio across Account 1 (Retirement Account), Account 2 (Sejahtera Account) and the Flexible Account respectively. As of September 2024, the i-Lindung initiative, introduced in July 2022, saw more than RM 44.2 million being withdrawn from Account 2 by 144,589 EPF members to purchase life and critical illness insurance. Automatically deducted, the premiums are as low as RM30 annually with coverage up to RM200,000 for critical illnesses. Uptake was below expectations. Unfortunately, the proposed MHIT initiative is not as straightforward as offering coverage for life and critical illness. Health insurance premiums were specifically increased of late to address high medical claims. These were described as spiralling out of control due to large numbers of patients utilising their policies particularly since the COVID-19 crisis, unregulated billing by private hospitals, increase in the cost of medical consumables, medicines and services, as well as the volatile foreign currency exchange. MHIT operators offering a basic medical plan that helps pay your hospital bills will likely utilise existing products which look like this: a monthly premium of around RM 40, a medical cover with an annual limit of up to RM 150,000, and a deductible (which must be paid by you for each hospitalisation before any benefits kick in) of at least RM 1,000. So is this a bad idea? On the surface, it sounds pragmatic by letting people tap into their own savings to purchase basic health insurance to bridge the gap in healthcare coverage and protection from financial catastrophe. With rising healthcare costs, especially in the private sector, many Malaysians feel squeezed between inadequate public services and unaffordable private care. This initiative theoretically has the potential to shift patients from being fully dependent on public hospitals, reduce pressure on government spending, and include private health services as a viable choice. The latter are often perceived to be less affordable and accessible to those of lower income. This proposal, which is not mandatory but optional, also provides some form of financial protection and means to pay for that access. It provides greater freedom of choice, immediate relief from out-of-pocket health expenses, and an option for those seeking faster access to treatment. But at what cost? A deeper look reveals several fundamental problems in this initiative. This move risks adding on to the erosion of the very foundation of retirement security, while failing to address the structural cracks in our healthcare system. In 2023, Anwar Ibrahim himself as Finance Minister warned that 51% of Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) members or 6.7 million contributors under the age of 55 had less than RM 10,000 in their savings. As of August 2024, that number has reduced to 33%. Low EPF savings and not having enough for retirement among lower income earners were the costs of the i-Lestari, i-Sinar and i-Citra withdrawals. The situation has improved since then but not by much. The EPF is the bedrock of retirement for most Malaysians. At present, most contributors already struggle to accumulate enough for a dignified old age. According to EPF's own data, only 18% of members have adequate savings to sustain themselves through retirement. The basic savings benchmark, the minimum amount needed for retirement, which is currently at RM240,000 will also be increased to RM 390,000 reflecting increases in the cost of living. For many, their EPF account is the sole bulwark against poverty in old age. Based on EPF's Belanjawanku 2024/2025, a single elderly person requires approximately RM2,690 monthly to maintain a reasonable standard of living in retirement. Old-age poverty is both a real risk, and an everyday reality for many. Diverting savings to pay insurance premiums risks making a dire situation worse, regardless of the fact that it comes from Account 2. Each ringgit withdrawn today is one less for tomorrow. Implying that they won't notice the withdrawal as it is automatic and coming from the Sejahtera account, is dangerous, encourages financial illiteracy and is disconnected from the Rakyat's everyday realities. The reality is that medical insurance premiums will also rise sharply with age, the coverage will change, and the protection offered by many products is often riddled with exclusions (such as pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, mental health), lifetime caps, and non-covered treatments. There is no guarantee that these basic policies will offer genuine protection when it is needed most. The justification used will likely be better with some protection, than none at all. Unfortunately, the proposal does nothing to address the root causes of rising healthcare costs or the inefficiencies plaguing both the public and private sectors. It simply shifts the financial burden onto individuals, expecting them to shoulder risks that should rightly and properly be managed through collective mechanisms and policy reform. Who benefits from this proposal? The government could argue that the proposal should be allowed a chance to succeed as it would benefit those of lower income. However, a look at the previous experience from the Perlindungan Tenang and i-Lindung initiatives give a clear sign of where this MHIT programme will go. As of early 2025, the EPF has over 16.3 million members. However, approximately 8.78 million are considered active contributors. The top 20 per cent, defined as EPF account holders with an average balance of RM 279,000 in their savings, hold over 82 per cent of total EPF savings, the middle 40 per cent are at 16 per cent, while the bottom 40 per cent constitute barely 1 per cent of total savings with a median of RM 1,063 in their accounts. How likely will the MHIT initiative involve the participation of the bulk of contributors? Past evidence indicates that most will likely opt-out. After all, retirement savings should not be a resource to be experimented upon. A worrying perspective has been raised during the course of this debate: higher income individuals should utilise the private healthcare system while the government hospitals and clinics should be reserved for those who are poor or of lower income. This view should be rejected. Besides being simplistic, harmful and classist, it ignores the strengths, gaps and universality of the Malaysian healthcare system. The private healthcare system is excellent but not all encompassing. It is a business after all, and there are limits to what is available. Often, patients with complex and chronic cases (read: expensive) are referred to government hospitals for follow up and long term care. There are many treatments, and medicines such as those for infectious diseases and rare conditions which are not available in the private space. Much of the specialised expertise such as clinical immunologists and geneticists are also concentrated in government facilities. Malaysia's public health system has some of the world's leading experts in their fields. This MHIT initiative is likely to be short-term and may benefit the insurance and takaful industry far more than ordinary Malaysians. Insurers stand to gain from a new stream of premium-paying customers, effectively subsidised by workers' own retirement savings. Meanwhile, the risk is offloaded onto the public: those who run out of savings will eventually fall back on the public system, but with even fewer resources for their old age. It also raises equity concerns and could deepen the healthcare and retirement divide. The proposal favours those who already have substantial EPF savings, while the most vulnerable, with little in their accounts, may be left behind. The government recognised this vulnerability when it introduced the subsidised voucher scheme for Tenang. Whether a patient's insurance coverage has reached its limits or treating an infectious disease or rare condition, Malaysians may resort to accessing and depending on the public healthcare system regardless. It is, after all, Malaysia's healthcare safety net. If not this initiative, what then? Malaysia needs a better way forward. A sustainable, equitable health financing reform model that strengthens the public system, expands social health insurance, and ensures that no one faces catastrophic health costs or impoverishment in old age. The use of the EPF as a platform for healthcare financing is good, but it should not be used to pay private insurers for basic health products. It should instead be used to raise and increase financial resources available for healthcare through national health and social insurance, covering protection for both health and aged care. Earmarking federal government revenue is not permitted under Article 97 the Federal Constitution which stipulates that all collected funds must be paid into the Federal Consolidated Fund. However, using the EPF to collect earmarked funds, such as Singapore did with its Central Provident Fund back in the early 1980s, could be used instead to introduce and sustain national health and social insurance. This approach should be the way forward. This proposal would not use people's existing retirement savings. Instead, it proposes to increase the level of contribution by both worker and employer which would then be earmarked for national health and social insurance. These funds would complement and not replace the existing annual allocation under the Federal Budget, potentially bringing in new and sustainable funding. Through pooling of risk and resources, as well as distribution of costs, coverage through this proposal would provide subscribers to the national health and social insurance with access to both public and private healthcare, no exclusions for pre-existing conditions, no costly deductibles, affordable co-payments if necessary, expand and increase investment in improving existing health services in government hospitals, and afford lifesaving medicines and treatment which would otherwise be out of reach of individuals. It would include, not exclude those who are older, aged 60 years and above, ensuring that they receive necessary care. This is the way. However, there is currently a major trust deficit to overcome. The public's trust in implementing such an initiative cannot be assumed and must be earned through transparency, consultation and continuous engagement. The era of government knows best is over. We need to introduce and invest in meaningful reforms which improve access and quality in public hospitals, reform payment systems, and explore universal health coverage options, not draining or sipping at retirement savings to plug holes elsewhere. The temptation to reach into EPF savings for short-term relief is understandable, but it is ultimately self-defeating. Policymakers must resist the urge to mortgage our future for today's convenience. The retirement security of Malaysians must be protected and investments in health reforms made that serve everyone. *This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Opella Egypt leads with purpose at Africa Health ExCon
Egypt – Opella Egypt participated as a Gold Sponsor at Africa Health ExCon 2025, co-hosted by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Africa's leading healthcare event. The conference welcomed over 60,000 attendees from 150+ countries, held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. 'Towards Sustainable Healthcare' session, held by Opella on June 25, focused on Opella's sustainability, B Corp certification and self-care vision. At the heart of the session was a panel on e-Labelling, a joint ambition by Opella and the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) to cut waste and expand access to reliable health information. The takeaway was simple: Digital, eco-friendly tools aren't optional. They're essential for a smarter, more sustainable future. Opella leaders, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), the EDA, South Africa's regulatory bodies, and the Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF) contributed valuable insights. The message was clear: Long-term impact starts with informed choices, stronger health literacy, and is bolstered by collaboration. Opella achieved a new milestone on its journey to deliver responsible self-care for people and planet. Certified by B Lab, B Corp recognizes companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Marissa Saretsky, Chief Sustainability Officer: ' We are proud to be the first global consumer healthcare company to achieve B Corp Certification, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and accountability. Our strategy towards a healthier planet and society focuses on decarbonizing our operations and value chain, embedding circularity, driving health literacy and supporting surrounding communities through NGO partnerships. We look forward to working with all partners across the sector to make sustainable self-care second nature. ' Dr Josephine Fubara, Chief Science Officer: ' e-Labeling puts more power in the hands of consumers. It empowers consumers by making self-care easier, more accessible, and sustainable—while simplifying healthcare for everyone. To realize its full potential, we need early, open collaboration across regulators, industry, healthcare professionals, and patients. ' Feirouz Ellouze, General Manager (AMET): ' Opella's presence at the conference highlights our commitment to sustainable healthcare systems. We are a dedicated global self-care leader, ready to meet the health needs of consumers. Our independence allows us to innovate faster and stay focused on our mission: making self-care as simple as it should be - for everyone. ' The EDA has been leading a multi-phase e-Labelling shift to modernize medicine information and boost sustainability. Launched in 2022, The initiative, launched in 2022, replaces paper leaflets with QR-linked digital formats, starting with hospital-use products. Now in its second phase, it supports health literacy, cuts paper waste, and sets the stage for full digital integration using global standards. By digitizing the 60 million leaflets provided annually by Opella Egypt alone, we could save 300 tonnes of carbon emissions and protect 5,400 trees. Recognizing the significance of collaboration and active participation among various stakeholders, Opella is committed to supporting initiatives that facilitate this transition and drive sustainable change. About Opella. Opella is the self-care challenger with third-largest portfolio in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) & Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market globally. Our mission is to bring health in people's hands by making self-care as simple as it should be. For half a billion consumers worldwide – and counting. At the core of this mission are our brands worldwide, our 11,000-strong global team, our 13 best-in-class manufacturing sites and 4 specialized science and innovation development centers. Headquartered in France, Opella is the proud maker of many brands worldwide, including Telfast, Doliprane, Bronchicum, Enterogermina, Maalox, Nasacort, Maxilase, Bisolvon and Buscopan, B Corp certified, we are active players in the journey towards healthier people and planet.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Sunderland eye hospital pictures show eco-friendly measures
Pictures of a region's first gas-free hospital show measures that will make it green, an NHS trust new eye hospital is under construction and is due to open next summer, replacing the ageing Sunderland Eye will be north-east England's only all-electric hospital, South Tyneside and Sunderland (STS) NHS Foundation Trust says, with more than 100 solar panels on its energy centre - a separate building to help power the hospital - is almost complete and features a rooftop garden, which the trust hopes will support biodiversity and reduce the need to heat and cool the structure. Fiona McKinley, STS trust's directorate manager for ophthalmology, said the new building would make "a world of difference"."A huge part of that will be the green features it has, which will not only mean it is a sustainable site which reduces our emissions and keeps running costs down, but will make it a more comfortable environment to work in," she said. The hospital is part of the Riverside Sunderland development in the city environmentally friendly features planned include air source heat pumps to heat and cool the building and more than 100 electric charging points for vehicles. The trust said work to recycle old equipment and furniture which is not needed from the current Queen Alexandra Road site was also under new building is now wrapped in protective sheeting while windows are installed, making the building open, the building will offer treatment through its emergency department and there will also be an out-patient unit for children. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Zawya
18-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Health Products Manufacturing Policy Study Tour Gives Africa a Strategic Boost
Africa CDC's Platform for Harmonized Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM), in collaboration with the Team Europe Support Structure (TESS) MAV+, organised a Study Tour on Policy Frameworks for Health Products Manufacturing to Europe in April. From analysing the policy mechanisms, regulatory environments, and frameworks that sustain and enhance the health products manufacturing ecosystem, participants gained a more comprehensive perspective on the interplay between manufacturing and governance—one of the eye-opening lessons ushered in by the tour. More than 20 representatives from African Union (AU) Member States, Regional Economic Communities, African Union organs, Africa CDC, AUDA-NEPAD, the African Medicines Agency, and the African Union Commission were among the participants. Speaking on the study tour, Dr Anthony Ayeke, Programme Manager, Health and Human Development Section at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS in Abuja, said he hopes to contribute towards enhancing vaccine and health product manufacturing capabilities in Africa by ensuring there is a commitment to sustainable healthcare development that respects local contexts and needs. 'Collaboration is key,' said Dr Ayeke, reflecting on the week-long tour in Belgium and the Netherlands. 'Successful vaccine production relies on strong partnerships between governments, industry or private sector, and academia,' he said, adding that collaborative networks, such as the Regional Capability and Capacity Networks, facilitate knowledge sharing and resource pooling. In 2021, the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) was established by the AU, under Africa CDC, with the goal of ensuring the production of 60% of Africa's vaccine needs by 2040. Africa CDC, in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative and PATH, conducted an in-depth assessment of the vaccine suppliers' landscape to understand vaccine manufacturing in Africa and identified key ecosystem interventions needed, including improving infrastructure, technology transfer, regulatory frameworks, financing, and demand. One of the areas of learning was understanding how Europe navigates policy frameworks and how lessons learnt can be applied in individual African countries, regionally or continentally. The serial study tours are geared towards helping African experts share and exchange knowledge with counterparts in Europe. Dr Ayeke said he learnt that robust yet flexible regulatory frameworks in Europe—such as those at the European Medicines Agency and the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products in Belgium—enable rapid response to public health crises. 'Timely approvals of 210 days and adaptations within regulatory processes through central, national, and decentralised application procedures are crucial for efficient health responses,' he said. Continuous investment in research and development leads to innovation in health product manufacturing, including funding, incentives for biopharmaceutical research, and investment in new technologies, such as those seen at Universiteit Utrecht in the Netherlands, he said. Janet Byaruhanga, Senior Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, the African Union Development Agency, said a skilled workforce is crucial, but regulatory maturity remains a foundational enabler for achieving local manufacturing capabilities. Byaruhanga said the study tour exposed the need for policies that support African pharmaceutical industries, which are still in early development. 'Manufacturers often lack access to technology, capital, skilled labour, intellectual property rights, and effective partnerships. Policy collaboration between universities, regulators, and industry must be strengthened,' she said, recommending that future study tours focus more on the needs of the industry and actual manufacturing processes. Dr Salma Osman, Policy Officer at the African Medicines Agency, appreciated the relevance of the study tour to her work and identified local manufacturing as a key gap. Dr Osman suggested that future tours be more thematically specific, covering areas such as regulatory frameworks, administrative processes, and scientific or manufacturing development separately to complete the full cycle. She said she would have loved to see African foreign direct investors participating in the discussions to better understand how to tackle the access to finance required to develop sustainable local manufacturing. The tour demonstrated practical systems for strengthening local manufacturing, said Dr Fatuma Adan, Head of Mission to Kenya at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), one of the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) of the African Union. She was particularly struck by the regional and inter-institutional cooperation needed among regulators, manufacturers, and the private sector. The discussion with the European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and the Critical Medicines Alliance stood out to her for its cross-border pandemic response and how lessons were shared between Europe and Africa. Fasika Alemu, Regulatory Strengthening and Market Shaping Expert at Africa CDC, said the example of HERA on supply chain management—such as contingency stock and stockpiling—was insightful and is crucial for managing frequent outbreaks in Africa. 'I admired how Belgium, the Netherlands, and EMA have achieved harmonisation in regulatory processes, working in synergy rather than competition, leading to reduced costs, increased access, and minimised shortages,' he said. Dr Safouane Benazzouz, Head of the Production Department at Institut Pasteur d'Algerie, focused on the Critical Medicines Act and pandemic preparedness efforts. He emphasised that beyond capacity building, investing in infrastructure and ensuring policy adaptability were key to effective pandemic response and preparedness. There is a need to bridge the gap between training infrastructure and practical expertise, said Valentine Atonde Epse Oladimeji, Senior Programme Officer at ECOWAS. She suggested leveraging biotechnology training centres in Europe and ensuring African trainees benefit as well. She also pointed out that partner selection in regions like ECOWAS is critical and should be strategic, such as involving other technical officers in future training programmes. Redefining 'local' to mean the African continent, not just individual countries, would be useful, said Ricardo Afonso, Head of the Inspection and Supervision Department at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority in Mozambique. After witnessing the EU experience, Afonso stressed the importance of harmonisation and mutual trust among African nations, just as European countries rely on each other. 'Building this intra-continental confidence is crucial for medicine acceptance and regulatory trust,' he said. Sandra Haile-Brugger, Access to Finance Expert at Africa CDC, shared the same sentiment, that the strength of the European model lies in trust and collaboration between countries and institutions. 'Such a cooperative framework is something Africa needs to adopt. A key lesson from EMA was that when decisions are collectively adopted by all member states, implementation is faster and more impactful,' she said. The tour was an eye-opener for Solomon Onen, Manager of Good Manufacturing Practices at the National Drug Authority of Uganda, on global developments in pharmaceutical production. He recognised similarities between Europe's Critical Medicines Act and Africa's current goals. Moving forward, he advocates for a continental mapping of manufacturing capabilities, training institutions, and laboratory networks, so countries know where to go for specific needs. Institutionalising training facilities within universities was flagged as essential for long-term sustainability. 'I left the tour with a sense of hope,' said Marta Ajulong, Commissioner of Pharmaceuticals and Natural Medicine at the Ministry of Health, Uganda. 'African countries like Senegal and Algeria are already producing antigens, that is an encouraging sign.' She praised the tour for facilitating intercontinental exchange and recommended ongoing communication and follow-up. Ajulong also noted interest from Uganda in strengthening local manufacturing and stressed the importance of designing training programmes with clear outcomes. There is significant opportunity in Africa for European companies to invest in local production facilities and partnerships, which could lead to mutual benefits and market expansion, specifically for Nigeria and Algeria, said Dr Ayeke. EU and EU Member State organisations like GIZ, EF, TESS, and HERA can play an essential role in providing technical support and funding for capacity building in Africa's health sector, he said. 'Europe should understand the unique challenges faced by African countries concerning health access and equity. Collaborations should aim to address these disparities in meaningful ways, including for paediatric formulation considerations,' Dr Ayeke added. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
