ZANZIBAR TAKES PART IN GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR SAFER USE OF MEDICINES
Medicines are used by millions of people to treat their illness, however, sometimes medicines can cause side effects. By using medicines correctly, we can drastically reduce the risk of side effects and severe harm. Also, by reporting side effects when they occur, we can help make medicines safer for everyone. Today marks the launch of the ninth global #MedSafetyWeek campaign, whereby ZFDA is one of 107 partner organisations.
Research shows that about half of all side effects are preventable. Patient safety is our top priority and during the #MedSafetyWeek campaign, we want to remind patients to take their medicines as instructed and healthcare professionals to review therapies before prescribing them.
#MedSafetyWeek is a global campaign running from 4th to 10th November
involving 107 organisations across 94 countries. This year’s theme centres on the importance of using medicines in the right way to prevent side effects, and to report side effects when they do occur.
It is easy to think only scientists or healthcare professionals can make medicines safer. As a medicine user, you – the patient – play a crucial part. Every time you report a suspected side effect to ZFDA you can help make medicines safer for all patients around the world.
During #MedSafetyWeek 2024, everyone can help promote the campaign’s message by using the hashtag and sharing social media posts from ZFDA and other participating organisations. In Zanzibar, the campaign will also involve District Pharmacists, Zanzibar Pharmacist Society (ZPS) as well as Health Practitioners from Public, Private facilities and patients groups.
ZFDA as other Medicines Regulators worldwide, have established reporting systems to monitor the safety of medicines. The purpose is to gain more knowledge about known side effects and to discover new ones. This can result in warnings and changes to how a medicine is used.
In Zanzibar, side effects can be reported by any member of public from patients or his/her relative, pharmacists, nurses, clinicians and any health professional through ZFDA Pharmacovigilance system available on ZFDA website and ZFDA PV Mobile application. All reports are assessed and examined by the Agency to determine the correct steps in – order to protect medicine users in Zanzibar.
Issued By:
Executive Director
Zanzibar Food and Drug Agency (ZFDA)