Pharmacovigilance in Nigeria: Addressing challenges in ensuring drug safety and monitoring adverse effects

Abstract

This paper examines the specific challenges faced by Nigeria in implementing pharmacovigilance measures to ensure drug safety and monitor adverse effects. Despite the critical importance of pharmacovigilance in safeguarding public health, Nigeria grapples with several obstacles in its implementation. Through a nuanced exploration of literature and regulatory frameworks, this study sheds light on the unique hurdles encountered in pharmacovigilance practices within the Nigerian context. Challenges in Nigeria's pharmacovigilance landscape include limited awareness and understanding of pharmacovigilance principles among healthcare professionals and consumers, resulting in underreporting of adverse drug reactions. Additionally, there is a lack of robust infrastructure and resources for pharmacovigilance activities, including inadequate funding, shortage of trained personnel, and deficient pharmacovigilance databases. Regulatory enforcement and oversight are also hindered by issues such as weak regulatory frameworks, fragmented reporting systems, and suboptimal collaboration among regulatory agencies. Furthermore, Nigeria's pharmacovigilance efforts are compounded by factors such as the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard medicines, informal drug markets, and cultural beliefs influencing healthcare-seeking behaviors. These challenges pose significant barriers to effective pharmacovigilance implementation and compromise patient safety and public health outcomes in Nigeria. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach encompassing regulatory reforms, capacity building initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with international partners. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing healthcare professional training on pharmacovigilance, establishing robust reporting systems, and fostering partnerships between regulatory agencies, healthcare institutions, and pharmaceutical companies are essential steps toward improving pharmacovigilance practices in Nigeria. Through a thorough examination of the Nigerian context, this paper aims to raise awareness of the specific challenges hindering pharmacovigilance implementation in the country and stimulate dialogue on potential solutions to enhance drug safety and monitoring of adverse effects in Nigeria's healthcare system.