By Chinenye Anuforo
A landmark meeting at the recent AfriSummit 2024 has paved the way for closer collaboration between Uganda and Egypt in the pharmaceutical sector. The high-level discussions, held between representatives from both nations, aim to improve access to safe and affordable medicines across Africa.
The Ugandan delegation, led by the Ambassador and Ministry of Health officials, expressed their admiration for Egypt’s advanced pharmaceutical infrastructure and strict regulatory standards. They see Egypt as a model for the continent and are keen to leverage its expertise to strengthen Uganda’s own healthcare system.
Dr. Hisham Stait, Vice Chairman of the Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority, pledged Egypt’s support in fulfilling Uganda’s pharmaceutical needs. He emphasized their commitment to fostering stronger partnerships with African countries, promoting the growth and integration of the healthcare sector across the continent.
A key outcome of the meeting is the planned Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Egyptian Drug Authority and the Ugandan Ministry of Health. This MoU will streamline the approval process for Egyptian medicines in Uganda, expanding Egypt’s market reach within Africa.
This meeting marks a significant milestone for AfriSummit 2024. The summit, held from November 3rd to 6th, brought together over 300 healthcare professionals, ambassadors, ministers, and industry leaders from across Africa. The discussions resulted in several bilateral and multilateral agreements focused on tackling regulatory hurdles and exploring opportunities for increased collaboration in pharmaceutical manufacturing, distribution, and healthcare development.
This success highlights the summit’s importance in supporting the continent’s efforts toward sustainable growth in the healthcare sector, establishing AfriSummit as an effective regional platform for realizing shared ambitions in the pharmaceutical and healthcare fields.