Tanzania signs SADC’s PPS initiative that improves access to quality, affordable medicines

DURBAN: TANZANIA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Pooled Procurement Services (SPPS), while agreeing to host the initiative as part of efforts to improve access to quality, safe and affordable medicines and medical supplies across the region.

Speaking on the initiative, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Florence Samizi, representing Minister for Health Mohamed Mchengerwa, said Tanzania fully supports the establishment and implementation of the programme and is ready to fulfil its responsibilities as host country in collaboration with other member states.

She said pooling the procurement needs of member states would provide a reliable market for pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers, increase access to products at affordable prices and stimulate investment in Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.

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Besides Tanzania, other countries that have agreed to participate in the initiative are South Africa, Lesotho and Mozambique, demonstrating member states’ commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in the procurement of medicines and medical supplies.

Dr Samizi further said Tanzania was ready to provide the necessary political, institutional and resource support to ensure the programme is effectively implemented and delivers its intended benefits to SADC member states.

The SADC Pooled Procurement Services (SPPS) initiative is expected to serve as an important instrument for strengthening regional cooperation, improving the reliability of health commodity supplies and enhancing medicines and medical supplies procurement systems across member states.