The SAFER Project is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening how health systems detect and respond to substandard and falsified (S/F) medicines. It strengthens ongoing Minilab efforts by not only supporting the detection of substandard and falsified medicines, but also improving how these findings are reported, shared, and acted upon across the health system. By improving coordination, regulatory systems, and response mechanisms, the project ensures that the identification of poor-quality medicines leads to timely action that protects patients and improves health outcomes.
EPN is working closely with its members, partners, and national stakeholders to strengthen regulatory systems, build healthcare workforce capacity, and foster collaboration across the pharmaceutical sector. Through the newly launched SAFER Project (Beyond Identification of Substandard and Falsified Medicines: Structural Adjustment for Effective Response), EPN aims to improve how countries detect and respond to substandard and falsified (S/F) medicines. The project focuses on ensuring that identification of poor-quality medicines leads to timely, coordinated action that protects patients and strengthens health systems.
In partnership with the Christian Health Association of Malawi, EPN officially launched the SAFER Project in Malawi last week in Lilongwe. The launch brought together key national and international stakeholders, including: Ministry of Health (HTSS), Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA), Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST), World Health Organization, Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Pharmaceutical Society of Malawi (PHASOM). This multi-stakeholder engagement marked an important step toward strengthening medicine safety systems in Malawi.
Discussions during the launch highlighted critical gaps in how healthcare systems currently respond to substandard and falsified medicines. While healthcare workers and regulatory bodies possess technical expertise in detection, there is a clear need for: Stronger regulatory and reporting systems, Clearer response protocols and improved coordination across sectors. Bridging these gaps is essential to ensure that detection efforts translate into effective action and patient protection.
A key outcome of the launch was a shared commitment to break down silos across regulation, supply chain, and enforcement systems. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of a multi-sectoral approach that enables faster information sharing and coordinated responses. The SAFER Project is driving a shift from fragmented efforts toward a unified pharmaceutical system, where information flows seamlessly between healthcare facilities and national authorities.
Through strong collaboration with national partners and stakeholders, EPN is committed to advancing safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines in Malawi. The SAFER Project contributes to broader global health priorities, including strengthening health systems and combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). At EPN, we believe that sustained partnership and coordinated action are key to ensuring patient safety, improved treatment outcomes, and a resilient pharmaceutical supply chain.