The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has achieved another feat with the attainment of the World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalification status, for its Central Drug Control Laboratory (CDCL) in Yaba, Lagos.
Director General, NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, made the disclosure in a statement made available to pharmanewsonline on Thursday, explaining how the agency began the journey for the apex health institution’s prequalification status in the year 2010.
She stated that the notice of the WHO’s approval for the lab was published on the apex health agency’s website recently.
Expressing her delight in the milestone achievement of the CDCL, she averred that very few laboratories in the world have the apex status of WHO prequalification, which signifies the dedication of the agency to ensuring the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products.
According to the DG “This is a huge landmark achievement for the agency and Nigeria. Very few laboratories in the world have the apex status of WHO prequalification.
“The WHO prequalification of the CDCL is a testament to the unwavering commitment of NAFDAC to meeting international standards of excellence in drug quality control and regulation. This prestigious recognition brings numerous benefits to CDCL, NAFDAC, and, most importantly, to the Nigerian people.
“Our journey towards this milestone actually started since year 2010, but with renewed efforts and more commitment to attempts by our management and Federal Government in the last Four years, we have finally achieved this goal”.
She highlighted numerous benefits accruable to Nigerians and the agency through the approval of the CDCL to include: improved access to safe and effective medicines for the Nigerian populace; international collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector and contribute to advancing healthcare access in the region; safeguarding public health by ensuring that substandard and counterfeit medicines do not reach the market.
Other merits of the agency’s apex prequalification status, she said are, it confers the badge of honour and authenticity on CDCL, and places it among an elite group of laboratories worldwide known for their excellence in drug analysis; reinforces the trust of stakeholders, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare providers, and patients; ensuring that Nigerians have access to high-quality healthcare products.
“For NAFDAC as a regulator, it further enhances our pedigree as we work towards Maturity Level 4, to become a World listed Authority. WHO prequalification can lead to streamlined regulatory processes, facilitating the faster approval of essential medicines in Nigeria and beyond”.
She assured the citizens of the agency’s ccommitment to safe and quality medicines, as they look forward to leveraging the achievement to strengthen their partnerships, enhance healthcare access, and contribute to the overall improvement of public health in Nigeria and the West African region.
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