The heads of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued a joint statement on 6 April pledging to work together to facilitate trade in essential goods such as medical supplies, food, and energy. WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya and WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo said the two organizations would work closely together to minimize disruption to cross-border trade in goods – in particular those essential to combat the COVID-19 pandemic – while safeguarding public health. They also pledged to establish a coordinated approach to support initiatives that facilitate cross-border trade so that essential goods can

The International Generic and Biosimilar medicines Association (IGBA), which represents global manufacturers of generic and biosimilar medicines, today requests urgent action by all governments to designate all medicines as PRIORITY ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS, including all critical goods needed to manufacture them, so as to ensure that patients around the globe can continue to access the medicines they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the surge in demand, in particular for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) medicines, there is an absolute urgency to facilitate and speed up the movement of essential products at all levels, in particular at customs control, as well as

Scientific brief No pharmaceutical products have yet been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of COVID-19. However, a number of medicines have been suggested as potential investigational therapies, many of which are now being or will soon be studied in clinical trials, including the SOLIDARITY trial co-sponsored by WHO and participating countries. In many countries, doctors are giving COVID-19 patients medicines that have not been approved for this disease. The use of licensed medicines for indications that have not been approved by a national medicines regulatory authority is considered “off-label” use. The prescription of medicines for off-label

The International Generic and Biosimilar medicines Association (IGBA), which represents global manufacturers of generic and biosimilar medicines, today requested urgent action by governments and pharmaceutical supply chain stakeholders to reopen air freight routes and ensure patients around the globe can continue to have access to the medicines they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Air freight is a crucial part of the pharmaceutical supply chain. Pharmaceutical manufacturers rely on capacity in passenger flights to ship medicines and ingredients rapidly and securely,” said Hanan Sboul, IGBA Chair. “With the pandemic nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a dramatic reduction in

The Health Ministry will announce a mechanism to deliver monthly medications for patients, and any emergency drugs through health centers under the supervision of voluntary medical teams, an official said today. Director of the Amman Health Directorate, Nayef Zaben stated that the move comes after the closure of health centers that provide primary and comprehensive care as part of the measures to slow the spread of the COVID-19. In cases of emergency, the Civil Defense Directorate's crews will evacuate the patient to a hospital in an effort to prevent overcrowding and safeguard citizens, he pointed out. Last Updated: 2020-03-22 15:51

The Minister of Health, Saad Jaber, has announced that 40 new coronavirus cases were recorded today in Jordan, bringing the total number of cases to 212, including the patients who recovered. During a press briefing at the National Center for Security and Crisis Management, the Minister said that 26 cases were reported in Irbid governorate. However, 19 cases were reported in Amman, five of whom were in quarantine after they returned from abroad. Jaber stressed that the sudden rise in numbers is a dangerous indicator. The Minister urged Jordanians to stay home and to follow the instructions during this period

The Minister of State for Media Affairs, Amjad Adaileh, has confirmed that that the imposed curfew will not be lifted on Tuesday, March 24, according to Jordan's Al Ra'i newspaper. Adaileh added that people will not be allowed to leave their homes unless necessary. He pointed out that the government will announce a number of proposals through which the basic needs will be delivered to citizens.

Hanan Sboul takes over the position of IGBA Chair For immediate release Geneva, 7 January 2020 IGBA, the International Generic and Biosimilar medicines Association (IGBA), representing global manufacturers of generic and biosimilar medicines, announced today that Hanan Sboul, Secretary General of the Jordanian Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, is taking over the position of IGBA Chair for 2020 from Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association and Biosimilars Canada. Key milestones were achieved for the IGBA during 2019, namely the signature of a memorandum of understanding with the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote access i and the adoption

In cooperation with JFDA, JAPM held a workshop for members and nonmembers entitled: “Pharmacovigilance in Practice” Speakers from the Rational Dug Use Department/ JFDA covered the following topics: Reporting ADRs Lessons to Be Learned What’s Beyond Safety Agreement Why Collecting Medication Errors, Drug Misuse, Abuse, Overdose, Off Label use Major Deficiencies during PV-Inspection Perceived Impact of RMP & PSUR on the Leaflet Phase IV Studies, Where We Stand? It is worth mentioning that; this workshop comes as a continues cooperation between JAPM and the JFDA to achieve the growth and development of the Jordanian pharmaceutical industry by holding workshops for