Minister of Health and Population and Deputy Prime Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar stated on Friday that Egypt has been selected as the headquarters for the Arab Drug Agency after approval from the Arab Health Ministers Council and the Arab League’s Economic and Social Council.
On Friday, Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, the health ministry’s spokesperson, said Egypt’s selection underlines its leadership in the Arab pharmaceutical sector.
He said the agency’s goals include strengthening regional leadership in pharmaceutical innovation, improving public health, attracting investments, and facilitating regional drug trading.
The organization will aim to establish a single regulatory framework for drug approval across Arab countries, encouraging regional and worldwide collaboration to improve research and development.
According to the statement, it will also provide pharmaceutical regulatory authorities with training and technical support and ensure safe access to innovative medicines.
The statement added that the agency’s founding principles do not require Arab countries to adopt a unified purchasing or registration system for medicines unless agreed upon by all states. The idea of the Arab Drug Agency originated from a proposal Egypt presented in March 2022.
This led to extensive discussions, culminating in Egypt’s final approval as the host during the 114th session of the Economic and Social Council of the Arab League in September 2024.
