GIZ equips Ghana’s FDA with digital tools for regulatory reform

GHANA – The German Development Cooperation (GIZ) has donated four Integrated Regulatory Information Management System (IRIMS) servers to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to bolster its regulatory and administrative functions.  

This strategic move by GIZ and the FDA marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards becoming a key player in the pharmaceutical industry in Africa.  

It reflects a broader vision of enhancing public health infrastructure and economic resilience through innovative technological advancements and international cooperation.  

This announcement was made by Mr. Wilhelm Hugo, Cluster Coordinator of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), during a conversation with the Ghana News Agency.

The newly presented IRIMS servers are set to revolutionize the FDA’s regulatory operations by digitalizing processes, including the lot release for vaccine manufacturing. 

 These servers will enable clients to submit and track applications online, streamlining regulatory procedures and enhancing efficiency. 

Mr. Wilhelm Hugo, who formally handed over the servers, emphasized that this contribution is aimed at supporting the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) in fostering a conducive environment for vaccine production in Ghana.  

He highlighted that the advanced management system and accompanying technical equipment would empower their Ghanaian partners to progress toward their goal of transforming Ghana into a pharmaceutical production hub. 

Mr. Hugo also discussed Ghana’s aspirations to become one of Africa’s leading vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturers. 

 He noted that achieving this goal would significantly boost the health security of the Ghanaian population and stimulate economic growth. 

The European Union (EU) and German Development Cooperation, according to Hugo, are committed to continuing their support in strengthening the institutional and technical capacities of the FDA. 

The initiative is expected to help the FDA meet the stringent standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), which include establishing a pharmaceutical-microbiological laboratory and a Clean Room. 

 These facilities are essential for preventing contamination from dust, airborne germs, aerosol particles, and chemical vapors, ensuring the production of safe and effective vaccines. 

In her address, Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FDA, shared her optimism about the future of vaccine manufacturing in Ghana.  

She stated that by November 2024, the FDA aims to have a Clean Room that adheres to specified biosafety standards.  

This development is a testament to the FDA’s commitment to building critical infrastructure to regulate locally produced vaccines, not just for Ghana, but for the entire ECOWAS region. 

Dr. Darko expressed her gratitude to GIZ for their unwavering support. She asserted that with the help of such partnerships, Ghana is poised to succeed in local vaccine manufacturing, thereby improving the health status of the people across West Africa. 

The initiative is also anticipated to create job opportunities, generate taxes and dividends, and promote sustainable and balanced economic growth in the region. 

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