"ACCRA, 29 March 2016 – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has received high praise in recognition of its contribution to the promotion of pharmaceutical manufacturing in West Africa.

The recognition was announced today during an event in Ghana’s capital, Accra, organized by the Western African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (WAPMA). It was attended by over 100 representatives from the public and private sectors, including pharmaceutical companies, development agencies such as UNAIDS, the World Health

Organization (WHO) and the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation (GIZ), academia and civil society.

Participants discussed ways to address West Africa’s medicine needs through local pharmaceutical production.

The Minister of Health of Ghana, Alex Segbefia, reiterated the Government’s determination to keep fostering the local pharmaceutical industry’s growth and development. He added that the Government would provide a fund of USD 45 million for the development of the industry.

Participants commended WAPMA on its achievements and pledged the Association’s full support for local pharmaceutical production, which was agreed at the national and regional level.

UNIDO supports the activities of WAPMA, including the implementation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Regional Pharmaceutical Plan and the formulation of an ECOWAS regional good manufacturing practice roadmap for the pharmaceutical industry.

“As a technical assistance body, UNIDO, in partnership with others, is always ready to support the local pharmaceutical production in the region,” said Juergen Reinhardt, UNIDO Senior Industrial Development Officer.

For more information, please contact:

Juergen Reinhardt
UNIDO Senior Industrial Development Officer