Short-Term Training, a Useful Approach for Sustainable Pharmacovigilance Knowledge Development in Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda

• DOI: 10.1007/s40264-024-01469-7
• Publication Date: 2024-08-20T08:02:25Z
• Authors: Eugène van Puijen...; Abbie Barry; Christabel Khaemba; Lazare Ntirenganya; Tigist Dires Gebr...; Adam Fimbo; Omary Minzi; Eyasu Makonnen; Margaret Oluka; Anastasia Guantai; Eleni Aklillu
• Keywords: Harmonization; Capacity Building

Continuous professional development among stakeholders involved in drug safety monitoring and surveillance is imperative strengthening pharmacovigilance (PV) systems. The "Pharmacovigilance infrastructure post-marketing system capacity building for regional medicine regulatory harmonization East Africa" (PROFORMA) project aims to enhance the national PV infrastructure, systems clinical trial capabilities Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya Rwanda. To achieve this, training, including short-term training (STT) activities, at various levels required. This article describe experiences of authors during implementation STT an attempt improve landscape these countries. identify gaps, a baseline assessment teaching practices medicines authorities (NMRAs) medical universities was conducted. Five successive sessions, tailored each country's specific needs environments, were conducted; three focusing on fundamental concepts two dedicated training-of-trainers courses. targeted staff from units NMRAs universities. Enabling participation all four countries same fostered cross-country learning collaboration. contribution university education operational methodologies within are explored, showcasing impact knowledge transfer skill country. In conclusion, by investing strategically activities fostering partnerships with academic institutions NMRAs, we demonstrated sustainable approach resource-limited settings. success this model underscores its potential adoption replication across African continent, offering valuable framework regulation ultimately protecting public health.