Tech in Africa
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), which runs under the National Department of Health, has introduced a mobile app that simplifies and promotes the reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Users can also report any adverse drug reactions experienced after immunization (AEFIs).
SAHPRA only carries out regulation of health products and other clinical trials across South Africa. The Med Safety App was developed by WEB-Recognising Adverse Drug Reactions, an EU project dedicated to the development and evaluation of digital tools that support pharmacovigilance activities. Pharmacovigilance is a medicinal safety science involving the collection, assessment, detection, monitoring, and prevention of the adverse effects associated with pharmaceutical products.
As medical safety app for self-reporting, it runs on both Android and iOS operating systems. Through the app, members of the public and healthcare providers will learn about medicinal safety, create awareness on medicines and adverse effects. In accordance with international established norms, the app only collects the minimum required personal information informing decision making in the clinics.
In the press release, the CEO of SAHPRA, Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela pointed out how the app will be a “huge benefit” for South Africans encountering ADRs. You can find out more information on the app here.
