THE FDA SIGNS A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH CECMED OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA (MINSAP)

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) on the 24th of November, 2020 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Center for State Control of Drugs and Medical Devices (CECMED) of the Ministry of Public Health of the Republic of Cuba (MINSAP) on developing cooperative relations between the two regulatory Authorities.

The purpose of the MOU is to strengthen, expand and deepen bilateral relations and to intensify cooperation in health promotion to achieve wider mutual benefits in the economic and social development of both countries. This laudable step by the Authorities would further make advances in promoting health and the development of the pharmaceutical industry, by improving the health standards of the population in both countries.

In attendance were the Cuban Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Pedro Luis Despaigne Gonzalez with his delegation, the Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, Mrs. Delese Darko and some Strategic Management members of the FDA.

As part of the agreement, the extensive exchanging of information and expertise, mutual knowledge, joint work and the development of specific cooperation projects in the areas of Regulatory System for medicines, vaccines, biological products and medical devices, including good regulatory practices and the development of regulatory science, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Inspection and Certification, Post-marketing surveillance and other areas as may be mutually agreed by both Authorities.

The aim of the MOU is to enable both Authorities exchange experience on evaluation of applications of concerned medicinal, vaccines and biological products, established requirements/criteria for applications review to grant marketing authorizations, quality control, adverse reactions as well as other information concerning the circulation of these products in the territories of both countries. Furthermore, there would be training opportunities for staff which would be financed by the FDA based on its relevant priorities and interests.

The Ambassador from Cuba to Ghana said, the signing of the MOU was not only a good initiative for Ghana and Africa but for the rest of the world as it was a necessity to have a good regulatory system everywhere people reside.

Mrs. Delese Darko in her appreciation for the MOU said, CECMED is like our sister agency and the partnership would enable the FDA to offer more support to the local drug manufacturing industry (allopathic and herbal) as Cuba is more advanced in the area of Science and produces 50% of its drug need locally. She also mentioned that Cuba will benefit from Ghana's FDA designation as WHO maturity level 3 regulatory agency.

In conclusion, the CEO said, the MOU would enable both Authorities build capacity and support each other where it is required.