Odokonyero Kennedy
The demand is coming from both multinational and local MAHs, and PV vendors seeking partnerships with local experts.
Why now?
Health Authorities are increasingly threatening to suspend products from MAHs that fail to appoint LQPPVs. Countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zambia have already set deadlines. I’ve said for years that this is the only language MAHs respond to — and it seems to be working.
But there’s a real risk.
In the scramble to set up local PV systems, many will end up as mere “regulatory checkboxes” rather than systems built to genuinely protect patient safety. I hope HAs take steps to verify not just compliance, but effectiveness.
The truth is: many PV vendors and MAHs have little experience running PV projects in Africa. And the network of local experts is small.
A quick example:
In May, I spoke with a service provider but we couldn’t agree on fair compensation. This week, I got a call from a contact in Tanzania asking to recommend me to the same company because they haven’t been able to find anyone. I declined.
Moral of the story:
If you want to pay LQPPVs peanuts, the network will know, and no one will work with you. And if you keep collecting quotes just to compare, you’ll go in circles.
I’ve been urging MAHs for years to build local PV systems proactively. Those who listened now have maturing, tested, and continuously improving systems.
If you didn’t — it’s late, but not too late.
Don’t panic. Request an extension. Commit to doing it right. Start now.
If you want to collaborate on building a local PV system that goes beyond regulatory checkboxes and truly protects patients in African markets, let’s talk.
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Written by
Pharmacist, Global Shaper at Kampala Hub and student of Msc. Pharmaceuticals and Health Supplies Management at Makerere University. [email protected]
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