Medicines Transparency Alliance16/12/ MeTA Uganda: Promotion Nazeem Mohamed MeTA Council Co-Chair

Medicines Transparency Alliance16/12/20152 Situational Analysis Laws and guidelines on promotion of medicines exist National Drug Authority responsible for enforcement Promotion generally carried out by pharmaceutical companies and herbalists Market mostly generic hence promotion limited Promotional materials vetted and licensed for use for one year

Medicines Transparency Alliance Issues/Challenges Monitoring and enforcement of guidelines is weak Disparity in regulation of herbals and conventional medicine Self-regulatory mechanisms undeveloped due to few players Consumer knowledge and awareness minimum 16/12/20153

Medicines Transparency Alliance Lessons Learned MeTA pilot tool tested: – No role played by CSO in regulation – Public unaware that promotion of medicines is regulated – Enforcement not clear – Traditional herbalists not regulated – “WHO Ethical Criteria” unknown 16/12/20154

Medicines Transparency Alliance Recommendations Harmonisation of regulation on promotion in the East Africa region Increase capacity of the regulatory authorities (NDA, professional councils, UNBS) to enforce the law/guidelines Prioritise dissemination of patient information on medicines Empower CSOs to monitor drug promotion 16/12/20155