Morgan Pincombe and Javier Guzman's blog was featured in Pan African Visions.
COVID-19 has reinforced the need for strong regulatory systems. The success of new technologies rapidly developed to mitigate the pandemic depends in no small part on key regulatory functions, such as oversight for clinical trials; review and authorization of medical products like vaccines, treatments, diagnostics, and personal protective equipment; and safety surveillance to identify adverse side effects. Strengthening regulatory systems on the African continent by developing, pooling, and using the limited regulatory expertise available; harmonizing standards and procedures across the 55 African countries; and conducting joint assessments will advance access to essential medicines like vaccines.
