Togo: Towards the Creation of the Togolese Health Products Regulatory Agency

The overall objective was to review the draft decree and memoranda concerning the establishment of the Health Products Regulatory Agency in Togo and to lay the groundwork for a roadmap regarding Togo’s future governance of WAHO bodies.

Indeed, Togo is establishing itself as one of the pioneers in the fight against substandard medicines, as evidenced by the Lomé Initiative launched in January 2020. This initiative aims to strengthen and coordinate the fight against the trafficking substandard or counterfeit medicines and other medical products.

This effort is supported by a national regulatory system for health products, backed by a legal framework governing all activities related to the sector. To date, this system has been overseen by the Directorate of Pharmacy, Medicines, and Laboratories (DPML).

In 2011, a study conducted by the Commission among WAEMU member states highlighted the limited capacity of national agencies responsible for pharmacy and pharmaceuticals to effectively fulfill their regulatory role. The study concluded that, without corrective measures, the enforcement of regulations governing health products in the Union’s member states would remain limited, if not ineffective.

To address these shortcomings, UEMOA adopted a directive on 28 September 2020, recommending that member states establish a health products regulatory authority with legal personality and managerial autonomy. The creation of the Togolese Health Products Regulatory Agency is part of this initiative and will help consolidate the government’s efforts to combat substandard or counterfeit medical products.