Trip Report: PQM Compendia Training for the Liberian Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority Quality Control Laboratory

The training, conducted from February 25 to March 1, 2013, aimed to enhance the laboratory's capacity in medicine quality assurance systems. The training objectives were accomplished despite challenges. PQM observed that the participants were receptive to the training and showed interest and dedication in learning the new techniques. The training activities included providing step-by-step training on laboratory techniques such as Loss on Drying (LOD), pH, High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The training was conducted at the LMHRA National Quality Control Laboratory, with five staff members attending the whole training. The trainers, Regina Okafor and Latifa El-Hadri, provided hands-on training on the laboratory techniques, and the participants demonstrated a good understanding of the concepts. The training also included a module on how to read and understand the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) General Chapters and General Notices. The PQM team met with USAID/Liberia staff to discuss workplan activities and provide an overview of the training agenda. The meeting outcomes included updating the workplan with suggestions provided by USAID/Liberia and integrating monitoring the quality of other essential medicines. The PQM team also proposed having a Quality Management System (QMS) audit and lab equipment inspection to provide a proposal with timelines and an itemized budget to help the lab achieve ISO 17025 and/or World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification. The training was a success, and the participants demonstrated a good understanding of the laboratory techniques and USP General Chapters and General Notices. The PQM program continues to provide technical assistance to the LMHRA Quality Control Laboratory to enhance its capacity in medicine quality assurance systems. The PQM program is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and is the successor of the Drug Quality and Information (DQI) program implemented by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). The program aims to build local capacity in medicine quality assurance systems, increase the supply of quality medicines to priority USAID health programs, and ensure the quality and safety of medicines globally. The PQM program has been providing technical assistance to Liberia in the areas of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) of medicines since 2008. Recently, PQM has begun helping the LMHRA develop their capacity to undertake effective medicine regulatory inspections, as well as supporting other key regulatory strategies to strengthen the Authority's operations. The PQM program has provided several analytical trainings to LMHRA's National Quality Control Laboratory (NQCL). Using the techniques learned in the trainings, the lab staff has been able to provide evidence-based data to LMHRA. Using these data, the head of LMHRA was able to take regulatory actions on non-conforming medicine samples. To continue building the lab's capacity, PQM has planned to provide additional training to the lab staff and to train personnel who have joined the lab in the last year. The PQM program has a strong partnership with USAID/Liberia and other stakeholders, including the National Malaria Control Program and the World Health Organization. The program continues to work towards its goal of ensuring the quality and safety of medicines globally.