Ouagadougou: The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (ANRP) in Burkina Faso has launched its inaugural 72-hour Open Days event in Ouagadougou to address the critical issue of counterfeit medicines.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event, which commenced on Wednesday, is themed "Pharmaceutical sovereignty: strategic role of the ANRP in sustainable access to safe, effective and quality health products." This initiative aims to boost the agency's visibility, elucidate its missions and future directions, and engage with stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations. Dr. Issaka Soulama, the Director General, emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding pharmaceutical regulation, the prudent use of medicines, and the risks associated with substandard or falsified products. He also highlighted the necessity of reporting adverse events.
MP David Lompo, representing the President of the Transitional Legislative Assembly, stated that the theme aligns with the national vision to ensure citizens have safe and equitable access to essential medicines while bolstering the country's health independence. Lompo underscored the ANRP's pivotal role as a sovereign institution in ensuring product quality, setting standards, and securing distribution channels. He reiterated the importance of reforms, research, local production, and partnerships in achieving pharmaceutical sovereignty and confirmed the Assembly's commitment to supporting the government in this transformative journey.
The Open Days event, taking place from October 22 to 24, 2025, at Trypano, Ouagadougou, includes a diverse range of activities such as a sanitation day, a recognition ceremony, guided tours, thematic conferences, and informational stands. Representatives from the pharmaceutical regulatory agencies of Mali, Niger, Chad, Senegal, and Togo are also participating.
Established on October 5, 2018, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency is a non-hospital public health entity, certified with ISO 9001:2015, dedicated to regulating Burkina Faso's pharmaceutical sector. Its mission is to safeguard public health by ensuring uninterrupted access to quality, safe, and effective medicines.