Kampala, 07th February 2014 -- Uganda’s National Drug Authority (NDA) has changed its drugs testing strategy from mandatory testing of selected drugs to a risk-based approach. In this approach, only drugs from manufacturers that are not prequalified by the World Health Organization are subjected to mandatory testing.

This new approach has greatly reduced importation of counterfeit drugs and improved on the delivery time of the much needed drugs in the country. In addition, the authority has developed capacity to routinely undertake post marketing drug surveillance throughout the country in which drugs are randomly picked from drug outlets and are tested for quality.

These improvements were reported by the Executive Secretary of NDA Mr Gordon Sematiko while briefing the WHO Representative Dr Wondimagegnehu Alemu about its operations. According to Mr Sematiko, the NDA also undertakes mandatory testing of condoms, gloves, Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets and veterinary medicines which has tremendously improved quality.

Established in 1993, NDA is an autonomous government agency mandated to ensure the quality of medical products in Uganda. It handles medicines, vaccines, medical devices and equipment, public health chemicals, and will soon include food when it becomes The Food & Drug Authority in line with the East Africa Community aspirations and framework.

Through its four technical departments and the seven regional offices, NDA has authorized 14 local and 438 foreign pharmaceutical manufactures to supply medicines to Uganda. In addition, NDA has licensed 800 pharmacies and 8,000 drug shops to sell drugs in the country.

Over the years, WHO has provided technical support to NDA particularly in human resources development in the areas of medicines assessment, Good Manufacturing Practices, drug inspection, laboratory quality control and pharmacovigilance. Other areas supported include adaption of norms and standards.

On the future, Mr Sematiko appealed to Dr Alemu to help NDA get WHO accreditation for its Quality Control laboratory. He also called for collaboration with WHO to support NDA develop a data base for improved regulation of clinical trials.

Dr Alemu congratulated NDA on the excellent work done so far which sends out “a clear message that Uganda and indeed Africa, is not a dumping ground for substandard drugs.” He promised to assist NDA acquire WHO accreditation through improved quality of work and better delivery of services to the people. Dr Alemu further pledged to advocate for NDA in the United Nations system in Uganda for support to strengthen its operations.

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For more information please contact :

Benjamin Sensasi, Health Promotion Advisor,
WHO Country Office Tel 256-414-335500
Email: sensasib [at] ug.afro.who