Mozambique could reach Maturity Level Three (ML3) in the World Health Organization's (WHO) classification of drug regulatory authorities within the next two years.

Obtaining ML3 status is significant because it will place the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (ANARME), IP (Public Institute), among the world's benchmarks, according to AIM.

According to the WHO's global benchmarking tool, the ML3 rating means a stable, functional and integrated regulatory system.

The commitment was made on Wednesday morning (30) in Maputo by the Minister of Health, Armindo Tiago, speaking at the opening of the African Week for Harmonization of Medicines Regulations.

"Everyone should take note that, between 2025 and 2026, our agency will also reach maturity level three," said Tiago.

He stressed that "if it doesn't reach this level, it won't have been worth organizing this conference in Maputo". "This is a collective commitment," said Armindo Tiago.

The minister said that the proliferation of poor quality products compromises not only the health of the population, but also the confidence of the Mozambican health system, which is why the country created ANARME in 2016.

The establishment and formalization of ANARME reflects Mozambique's commitment to drug safety.

"Since 2016, the country has had the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, whose operation reflects our collective commitment to ensuring the safety, efficacy and quality of medicines in our country," he said.

Since its creation, ANARME has "developed a robust legal framework, strengthened its structure and quality infrastructure and contributed to the training of Mozambican human resources".

Tiago stressed that Mozambique will work to guarantee the safety and quality of medicines.

"As a government, we want to reinforce that Mozambique continues to play its part in this collective effort, strengthening its capacities but, above all, collaborating with its partners in the constant search for innovation to ensure that we achieve our vision," he concluded.

Zimbabwe recently became the sixth African country to reach ML3 in the WHO rankings. This puts Zimbabwe alongside pharmaceutical leaders such as Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania. (AIM)