Issue Brief: AU Model Law for Medical Products Regulation - Increasing access to and delivery of new health technologies for patients in need

21 May 2017

The regulation of health technologies is a critical component of any well-functioning health system, as it enables access to health technologies of assured quality, safety and efficacy. However, in many African countries, such capacities remain underdeveloped. The ADP recently supported the African Union (AU) Commission to develop the Model Law for Medical Products Regulation, which was subsequently adopted by the AU Heads of State and Government in January 2016. The Model Law provides a template for Member States of the AU to adapt best practices for medicines regulation into their national laws, to promote and accelerate access to new health technologies for patients in need. This Issue Brief provides a summary of the key features in the Model Law.