MCA and Stakeholders National Taskforce Meet on the National Action Plan on Substandard & Falsified Medical Products
In September 2024, the Medicines Control Agency (MCA), in collaboration with stakeholders, validated the National Action Plan on Substandard and Falsified (SF) Medical Products as part of its ongoing efforts to combat the circulation of substandard and falsified medical products in The Gambia.
Following the pilot implementation of National Action Plan, the National Taskforce, which includes DLEAG, GPF, GID, GAF, SIS, PCG, MOH, GRA, among others, convened at the MCA Head Office in Kotu today, to discuss the status of implementation and to put in place strategies for the remaining activities of the National Action Plan in line with the adopted Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the Taskforce.
Addressing the meeting, the Acting Executive Director of MCA, Mr. Essa Marenah, underscored the importance of the Taskforce in safeguarding public health against substandard and falsified medical products. He emphasized that “health is everyone’s business” and reaffirmed MCA’s commitment to supporting members of the Taskforce by sharing relevant expertise and information.
Presenting an update on enforcement activities, the Director of Operations, Mr. Tijan Jallow, informed members that despite significant challenges, a series of activities of the plan have been implemented including a three-day joint operation which recorded the highest number of cases in Serrekunda (61%) and Brikama (39%) with the support from The Gates Foundation. He reported that the operation has so far resulted in 8 convictions, 14 ongoing court cases, and 19 cases are under prosecution.
The Stakeholders expressed appreciation for the engagements, discussed ways to achieve the goals of the Taskforce and are willing to support the MCA in implementing its mandate.
