Pharma West Africa Celebrates the Launch of HFN Monthly Newsletter – Key Updates on Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector

Pharma West Africa is excited to announce the release of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria's (HFN) latest monthly newsletter, covering key developments from July to September 2024. This edition spotlights significant advancements impacting both the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, aligning with efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes in Nigeria.

Key Highlights Relevant to the Pharmaceutical Sector:

1. Enhancing Local Pharmaceutical Production: A major milestone was achieved with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signing of an Executive Order aimed at boosting local production of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical devices. This is in line with HFN’s ongoing advocacy to reduce import barriers, including the removal of tariffs and VAT on essential medical materials, which will positively impact local manufacturers and suppliers.

2. International Partnerships for Pharma Growth: HFN members, including representatives from the pharmaceutical sector, attended Asia’s largest health expo in Thailand. This initiative focuses on fostering international partnerships to enhance local production capabilities and introduce advanced healthcare solutions to Nigeria.

3. Digital Health Advancements for UHC: In its pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), HFN stressed the importance of integrating digital health solutions into Nigeria’s healthcare system. This move not only aims to improve healthcare delivery but also opens new opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to harness digital tools for better patient outcomes.

4. Leadership Expansion and Strategic Growth: The appointment of Mr Ayodeji Oni as HFN’s new Executive Secretary is expected to further enhance the Federation’s operational efficiency, enabling a stronger focus on advocacy and healthcare development. This could lead to more streamlined regulatory processes and support for the pharmaceutical industry.

5. Collaboration with NAFDAC: HFN’s high-level meetings with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) resulted in commitments to expedite approvals for life-saving medications and medical devices. This is a significant win for the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring quicker access to vital healthcare products.

6. Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): With the rise of antimicrobial resistance, HFN’s participation in the AMR Taskforce ensures that the private sector, including pharmaceutical companies, is actively involved in addressing this global health challenge.

Pharma West Africa is proud to partner with organisations like HFN, which are at the forefront of transforming Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. We encourage all industry stakeholders to explore the full newsletter to gain further insights into how these developments will shape the future of healthcare and pharmaceuticals in Nigeria.

For more information, visit www.hfnigeria.com