Zimbabwe eyes Egyptian medicine

Zimbabwe has taken steps to formalise acquisition of cheaper medicines from Egypt after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Harare Friday between the two African countries' medicines regulators paved way for beneficial drug trade and mutual exchange of ideas in the pharmaceutical field.

The MoU signing was done by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and the Egypt Drug Authority (EDA).

It was attended by some government officials from the Finance and Health ministries, MCAZ managers and captains of industry.

Officiating at the event, Vice President and substantive Health Minister Constantino Chiwenga said the MoU was to "facilitate cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in the areas of drug regulation, quality control, and pharmacovigilance".

MCAZ Director-General Richard Rukwata and Dr Radwa A. Elmoneer, Egypt Drug Authority (EDA) Head of Central Administration of Pharmaceutical Policies and Market Access, appended signatures to the MoU while Chiwenga and an Egyptian delegation oversaw the process.

"This partnership will not only enhance the safety and efficacy of medicines in both countries but also promote the development of the pharmaceutical industry and create opportunities for investment and trade," Chiwenga said.