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Postmarketing Surveillance
One of the strategic goals of BoMRA is to reduce incidences of substandard and falsified medicines circulating in the market. Postmarketing Surveillance (PMS) activity focussing on the quality of medicines in the market aims at the attainment of this goal. To date, BoMRA has collected 72% of the targeted samples. Samples were collected from 97 health facilities. The activities of PMS are guided by the National PMS Committee. The members represent different organisations including public health programmes, Central medical stores, MoHW, Supply chain management, WHO, BURS, Botswana Police, Health Insurance funders and NGOs.
The department was successful in receiving funding of 7.5 million Pula from Global Funds to strengthen PMS activities over 3 years.
Achievements
- Established a functional spontaneous ADR reporting system and benchmarked WHO recommended target for the number of ADRs reports received (200 reports per 1 million population)
- Top 3 amongst 20 countries in southern and eastern Africa for the number of AEFIs reported for Covid-19 vaccines
- Sourced a significant amount of external funding to strengthen BoMRA initiatives
Challenges
- PV is a very evolving discipline in the country therefore active participation of healthcare professionals in reporting ADRs /AEFIs is essential
- Continuous engagement of HCPs to keep up the reporting rates of ADRs/AEFIs is essential but is very time and resource-intensive.
- Industry participation in safety monitoring is very limited due to the minimal presence of Market Authorisation Holders in the country.
Report Adverse Events
It is important to report adverse events associated with health products. Report all suspected ADRs associated with drug-drug, drug-food or drug-food supplements.