Launch of World Pharmacovigilance Week Activities in Al-Mahra

On Wednesday, Mohsen Belhaf, Director General of Al-Ghaydah Central Hospital, launched the activities of World Pharmacovigilance Week 2026. Organized by the Supreme Board of Drugs and Medical Supplies in collaboration with the National Center for Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety, it runs from November 2 to 8 under the slogan 'Drug Side Effects... Don't Ignore Them, Report Them,' with wide participation from health and medical staff.

 The week aims to promote a culture of drug safety, establish the importance of reporting side effects, and raise community awareness about the role of pharmacovigilance in protecting patient health and safety.

Belhaf praised the initiative's importance, affirming the local authority's support for efforts to promote the safe use of medicines and develop the drug safety system. He stressed the importance of integrating roles between health, academic, and specialized institutions to protect citizens and improve health services.

For his part, Saddam Al-Zaydar, the Board's representative in Al-Mahra and the National Center's coordinator, emphasized the importance of partnership between health and academic institutions in spreading drug awareness and reducing the risks of unsafe drug use. He explained that drug safety does not end with its manufacture or dispensation to the patient but extends to monitoring its use and any side effects or unusual symptoms that may appear after taking it.

Al-Zaydar  noted that reporting side effects is an important step that requires review and evaluation by competent authorities, pointing out that a single report can contribute to discovering drug risks and protecting patients. He called on health staff and community members to  report any potential side effects, as pharmacovigilance is a shared responsibility and a fundamental pillar for building a safer and more efficient drug system.

The launch ceremony included the screening of an awareness film titled 'One Report,' which depicted the journey of a drug report from observing an unusual symptom, through the stages of review, analysis, and evaluation, to its role in discovering risks and enhancing patient protection.

These activities are part of the efforts of the Supreme Board of Drugs and Medical Supplies and the National Center for Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety to spread the culture of drug safety and promote awareness of the safe and responsible use of medicines, contributing to patient protection and the improvement of public health.