Rwanda, African Union inaugurate continental medical agency headquarters in Kigali

KIGALI, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) — Rwanda and the African Union (AU) on Friday inaugurated the African Medicines Agency (AMA) headquarters in Kigali, paving the way for the operations of the continental regulatory body for medical products.
Speaking at the event, Rwandan Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana said that the agency has arrived at the right time for Africa, as it will support the growth of local pharmaceutical production and catalyze trade.
“For Rwanda in particular, the agency will strengthen our efforts and is expected to become a hub for healthcare services, research and quality medicine in Africa,” he added.
Minata Samate Cessouma, AU commissioner for health, humanitarian affairs and social development, said that the agency will make a significant contribution to the production and distribution of medicine across the continent.
“The inauguration of the AMA headquarters marks a significant milestone for healthcare on the continent. We are grateful to Rwanda for its commitment to host the headquarters,” she said.
Cessouma explained that the agency will evaluate medical products for the treatment of priority diseases as determined by the African Union, and it will regularly inspect, coordinate and share information about products that are authorized for marketing.
According to officials, the specialized AU agency will facilitate pandemic preparedness, expand access to medicines, support collaboration among regulators, and build resilient health systems.
The handover involved a fully equipped building, vehicles and essential resources to support the AMA’s mission.
Selected as the host nation at the 2022 African Union Executive Council meeting in Lusaka, Zambia, Rwanda will facilitate the AMA’s pivotal role in standardizing and regulating medicines across Africa. ■