The health ministers of the 55 states that form the African Union unanimously adopted the text of the treaty establishing the African Medicines Agency.

The new regulatory agency will play a key role in coordinating member states’ activities, including by establishing common standards and issuing guidelines. It is a major step towards establishing a Pan-African regulatory authority in the pharma sector.

The heads of state and governments of the member states are expected to definitively approve the text at their next summit in January 2019.

At least 15 member states must ratify the treaty for it to enter into force. More information is available on the African Union website: www.au.int.