Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua today February 16, 2023, signed the African Medicines Agency (AMA) Treaty on the sidelines of the ongoing 42nd Session of the African Union Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“On behalf of Kenya, I have today signed the African Medicines Agency treaty on behalf of Kenya. This treaty is critical in the coordination of the development, purchase, and distribution of medicines in the continent.” CS Alfred Mutua wrote on Twitter.
According to Alfred, the spirit behind the treaty is for African nations to enhance the manufacturing of medicines and vaccines for African use and also to be able to purchase or bargain for a good price for medicines being imported into the continent.
The CS added that the treaty is meant to enhance the quality, access, and safe distribution of medical products to people as they work towards improving healthcare in Africa.
Read: Alfred Mutua Loses Big In Case Against Lilian Over A& L Hotel
The signing was done with the African Union Commissioner for Humanitarian, Health and Social Development Amb Minata Semate Cessouma. The Commissioner commended Kenya for signing the Treaty and hoped ratifying the treaty to make Kenya a state party, will follow immediately.
Kenya becomes the 31st country to sign the Treaty that seeks to support the growth of local pharmaceutical production, a key objective being manufacturing of the medicine and related accessories.
“The Continent-wide effort will play a critical role in catalyzing trade in support of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Mutua said.
He underlined the importance of the Treaty and emphasized the need for Africa to manufacture its own medicines including vaccines, so as to be self-sufficient and able to tackle pandemics when they occur.
Read:Details Of Uhuru’s Election Observer Mission To Nigeria
The African Medicines Agency (AMA) is a proposed specialized agency of the African Union (AU) intended to facilitate the harmonization of medical regulation throughout the African Union.
Following a similar model to that of the European Medicines Agency, it is intended to have a wide scope covering medicines, traditional medicine, and medical devices.
The AMA is the latest step in efforts by the AU and regional African bodies to improve medical capacity in the continent. The Treaty for the Establishment of the African Medicines Agency came into effect on 5 November 2021 after the ratification of 15 countries. As of October 2022, 33 out of the 55 Members of the African Union have either signed or ratified the treaty.
Email your news TIPS to editor@thesharpdaily.com
