Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 2, 2026
An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings
Published on: March 30, 2014
Effective integration of pharmacovigilance systems at public health facilities in resource-limited settings: A
Babafunso Aderemi Adenuga1, Dan Kibuule2, Kayode Dominion Samuel Bamitale3
1Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek, Namibia; Department of Pharmacy Practice & Policy, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia.
Background:
Pharmacovigilance systems increase access to safe medicines and healthcare, but their integration in public healthcare remains a challenge in many countries. The main barriers to pharmacovigilance integration are attributed to high patient load and limited capacities.
Objective:
To explore the challenges associated with the effective integration of pharmacovigilance systems in public healthcare in a developing country such as Namibia.
Methods:
A nationwide qualitative assessment of integration of pharmacovigilance systems particularly spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting at public health facility level was conducted. Key informant interviews were conducted among pivotal healthcare professionals involved in pharmacovigilance. The main outcomes were themes on challenges and strategies for effective integration of PV services at the facility level. Qualitative data were collected over a one-month period (i.e., March 2019), and thematically analysed.
Results:
Eight (8) key informants were recruited; the majority were pharmacists (n = 7) and male (n = 5). The main challenges affecting the effective integration of pharmacovigilance systems reporting at public health facilities were "weak pharmacovigilance policies and structures", "negative attitude of healthcare workers towards pharmacovigilance", and "limited capacity and support for implementation of pharmacovigilance activities". The main strategies for effective integration of PV systems at facilities included local capacity-building through continuing profession education and support, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, facility/region based pharmacovigilance champions, and facility-based policies for universal and inclusive reporting, (i.e. patients and health workers at all levels) as well as development of workable standard operational procedures.
Conclusions:
The pharmacovigilance systems at healthcare facilities in Namibia were observed to have sub-optimal policies, structures and support systems, and lack health care worker buy-in. There is a need for a policy framework to ensure effective and sustainable integration of pharmacovigilance activities at public healthcare facilities.
More Related Videos
23:56Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
09:33Visualizing Field Data Collection Procedures of Exposure and Biomarker Assessments for the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network Trial in India
Published on: December 23, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
01:12Analysis of Population Pharmacokinetic Data
01:01Dosage Regimens: Partial Pharmacokinetic Parameters
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:20Measurement of Bioavailability: Pharmacodynamic Methods