A Scoping Review of the Pharmacovigilance Systems in West African region

Background: Pharmacovigilance is essential for monitoring drug safety and managing adverse drug reactions, particularly in the context of increasing medication use in West Africa. This review aims to assess the existing state of pharmacovigilance systems, regulatory frameworks, and adverse drug reaction reporting practices across the West African region.

Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Literature searches across nine databases yielded 3,000 documents, 59 of which met the inclusion criteria. Key themes include pharmacovigilance systems, policies, stakeholder collaboration, and adverse drug reaction reporting challenges.

Results: While all West African countries have established national pharmacovigilance centers and WHO Collaborating Center membership, gaps persist in legislation, enforcement, and public awareness. Challenges include inadequate resources, limited healthcare professional training, and communication barriers. Recommendations emphasize education, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness to improve adverse drug reaction reporting.

Conclusion: Strengthening pharmacovigilance in West Africa requires a multi-pronged approach prioritizing policy, collaboration, and education to ensure drug safety and public health.