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Darlington Musarurwa in LILONGWE, Malawi
Zimbabwe is vying to host the African Medicines Authority (AMA), a specialised continental body that is envisaged to contribute to improved regulation of medicines, medical products and technologies, including promoting access to quality and efficacious drugs.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 41st Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava said the country wanted to “accommodate AMA”.

“Like I said earlier on, we have addressed all the issues affecting the sub-region – our region. I want to itemise major issues: industrialisation, the SADC Forum changing to the SADC Parliament, the accommodation of the African Medicines Agency, and Zimbabwe vying for that as well,” he said.

Zimbabwe became the 19th African Union country to sign the Treaty for the establishment of AMA on March 16 this year.

The African Union believes the body could help improve production and harmonisation of pharmaceutical products on the continent.
AMA will enter into force once ratified by 15 AU member states.

By March this year, the instruments of ratification had been deposited by six member states at the African Union Commission.