Nigeria, Increased cooperation between research and administrative bodies

Citation

(2008), "Nigeria, Increased cooperation between research and administrative bodies", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 21 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhcqa.2008.06221dab.006

Nigeria, Increased cooperation between research and administrative bodies

Article Type: News and views From: International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Volume 21, Issue 4

Keywords: Communication, Quality assurance, Healthcare ethics

Collaboration between (National Health Research Ethics Committee) NHREC and (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) NAFDAC has improved in recent time largely due to better communication. NAFDAC is the Parastatal (agency) of the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria responsible for certifying investigational materials for use in clinical trials, quality assurance of the material throughout the trial period and registration of new drugs following successful clinical trials. Therefore in recognition of important stakeholder ship of this institution in supporting ethical conduct of clinical trials, NHREC has initiated a mechanism for improved communication between the two bodies. To this end, periodic meetings between the two bodies are held in order to address existing and emerging issues in clinical trials in Nigeria. In addition, NHREC presently has started a process that will ensure that eventually, NAFDAC will have a standing membership position on NHREC.

It was an outcome of these interactions that NAFDAC now requires that clinical trials not approved by NHREC accredited Health Research Ethics Committee before consideration for approval. This collaboration is expected to grow stronger and will help in strengthening a unified system for human research participant protection in Nigeria.

For more information: www.nhrec.net