Johannesburg – The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has been ranked by the World Health Organisation (WHO) at a functional level of maturity (Level 3).
This recent ranking was made by WHO’s global classification system for national medical products regulatory authorities.
WHO confirmed SAHPRA’s attainment of maturity level three (ML3) for vaccine regulation — the third of four levels in the WHO’s classification. Maturity level four (ML4) is the highest.
The ranking means that SAHPRA has a stable, well-functioning and integrated regulatory system that ensures the quality, safety, and efficacy of vaccines that it registers.
On Wednesday, SAHPRA said, as a fairly new instituted independent regulatory authority, the accolade was “indeed noteworthy”.
SAHPRA said the National Control Lab must be commended for reaching ML4 for the Lot Release function.
This function is critical in ensuring that the vaccines made available in the country meet the highest quality requirements.
ML4 represents a regulatory function that is advanced, well-functioning and is continuously improving.
To put in context, this status compares to that of the US and Singapore as examples.
“We commend the tireless efforts of SAHPRA staff members and stakeholders in ensuring the integrity and rigour of the health products registration processes,” indicates SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela.
“This achievement is testament to the role the regulator has played in ensuring that vaccines that are safe, efficacious and of a high quality are available in South Africa.
“SAHPRA will continue to be an agile and responsive African health products regulator, whilst working towards the aim of being a globally recognised regulator and an enabler of access to safe, effective and quality health products.”
