NAFDAC STRENGTHENS REGULATORY OVERSIGHT OF BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS

NAFDAC STRENGTHENS REGULATORY OVERSIGHT OF BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is strengthening its regulatory framework for blood and blood products in Nigeria, with the support of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, in line with global best practices and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation that these products be subject to oversight by National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) for medicines.

In a statement signed by the Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, blood and blood products are classified as essential medicines and must be consistently available, with assured quality, safety and affordability.

The move represents an important step towards strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and protecting patients throughout the blood transfusion chain.

As part of its preparedness, NAFDAC has established a dedicated Vaccines, Biologicals and Medical Devices Registration and Regulation Directorate to oversee the registration and regulation of these products. The Directorate is responsible for quality control, including laboratory testing and lot release, while the Directorate of Evaluation and Research provides oversight of Good Manufacturing Practices.

An ultra-modern laboratory facility is also being developed to further strengthen the Agency’s capacity for the assessment and quality control of vaccines and biological products.

The Agency says it remains committed to working with relevant authorities and stakeholders to establish a robust regulatory framework that promotes the availability of safe, quality-assured and efficacious blood and blood products, while strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.