Strengthening Veterinary Pharmacy Regulations through the harmonization process in the UEMOA region: the case of Niger and Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

The livestock sector is faced with many constraints, including animal diseases. According to the World Organization for Animal Health, 60% of human diseases are of animal origin. Veterinary drugs are widely used in the fight against these diseases. These, like human medicines, are subject to strict regulation. Before the harmonization of veterinary drug regulations in French-speaking West Africa, Cote d'Ivoire was the only country with specific regulations in this area. In 2006, the UEMOA Commission adopted a set of regulatory texts as part of the community harmonization of veterinary pharmaceutical regulations, thus providing Member States with an adequate legal framework governing veterinary medicines and the practice of veterinary pharmacy and the veterinary profession, in particular through a centralized system of marketing authorisation for veterinary medicines, a single system of quality control for veterinary medicines and a community system for the inspection of veterinary pharmacy. This has enabled countries to strengthen their existing texts, as in the case of Côte d'Ivoire, or to develop specific national regulations for veterinary pharmacy, as in Niger, taking into account the principles and requirements of the community regulations.