Building functional and sustainable pharmacovigilance systems: an analysis of pharmacovigilance development across high-, middle- and low-income countries

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Background: There has been notable progress in pharmacovigilance (PV) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) in the last decade. However, only a few of these PV systems are fully functional, unlike in high-income countries where stringent legislation, regulations and operational guidelines have enabled the establishment of effective PV systems. The key challenges faced in LMIC include organisational inefficiencies; weak infrastructure; inconsistent and poorly enforced regulations; and inadequate financing and shortage of trained personnel. Furthermore, low adverse event volume and poor data quality hinder the capacity for safety data generation and utilisation. With the increasing availability of essential and innovative medicines in LMIC, establishing robust PV systems is crucial for effective safety surveillance. Objectives: This research aims to analyse the development of PV systems across high-, middle- and low-income countries and to carve out essential elements for functionality and sustainability of PV systems in LMIC. Design: A convergent parallel mixed-methods design, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative research consisted of semi-structured interviews and an online survey, respectively. Results: Twelve key informants from 10 countries were interviewed and 52 respondents from 36 countries completed the online survey. From the qualitative and quantitative data, we identified nine essential elements for sustainable PV development in LMIC: understanding the drivers of PV development; adequately resolving core system challenges; implementing an efficient organisational structure and good governance; establishing procedures for PV activities; ensuring availability of qualified and trained staff; identifying alternate sources of financing; having a strategic development plan; adequately leveraging the health system; and effectively integrating the pharmaceutical sector in the national PV system. Conclusion: Findings from this research indicate that significant efforts are still needed to upgrade PV systems in LMIC to meet global standards despite the progress achieved in recent years. Developing the different areas emerging from this research, within the framework of a holistic, fit-for-purpose PV system strengthening, would enable a comprehensive progression from basic to functional and thus sustainable PV systems in LMIC.

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