Office of the First Lady, NAFDAC, IMPACT Project Joins forces to Strengthen Pharmacovigilance

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

The office of the First Lady Edo State in partnership with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project, held a one‑day community sensitisation on pharmacovigilance,

The community sensitisation was held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy JOOPSA, Benin- City.

The Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Mrs Edesili Anani, was represented by the Director General, John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, Mrs. Gina Otamere,

In her keynote address, the Coordinator emphasized that the partnership between the Office of the First Lady, NAFDAC and the IMPACT Project underscores the shared commitment to a healthier Edo State and a safer Nigeria.

She highlighted the project’s focus on social‑behaviour change and communication to raise awareness among community leaders, religious groups and youth networks about monitoring side effects and the rational use of medicines.

She noted when citizens understand how to report adverse events and use drugs correctly, we reduce harm, improve treatment outcomes and strengthen the health system.

Edo State Coordinator, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Pharmacist Itua Esther, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to building robust reporting structures, enhancing signal detection and collaborating with stakeholders to manage medicine‑related risks.

She urged all actors pharmacists, doctors, nurses, researchers and public‑health officers to report adverse drug reactions, noting that each report contributes to safer, more effective medicines for the nation.

A technical lecture on pharmacovigilance was presented by NAFDAC officer Mr Muktar Babatunde, covering key aspects of monitoring and managing medication risks.

The session attracted representatives from the Edo State Ministries of Health, Women Affairs, market leaders, and other community stakeholders, all of whom engaged in lively discussions and sought clarification on practical reporting tools.

The event reinforced the commitment of the Office of the First Lady, NAFDAC and the IMPACT Project to promote a resilient health system in Edo State, where every citizen receives safe, effective and affordable medicines.