RIYADH — The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved renewing the selection of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) as a center for international cooperation in medical devices and supplies for four years.

The selection is with the approval of transforming the regional center into a global center covering the eastern Mediterranean and Africa, and the scientific and technical work of the WHO internationally.

The center aims to contribute to the authority in assisting emerging countries in monitoring and regulating medical devices and supplies and to benefit from its expertise in various regulatory and supervisory areas in medical devices and supplies.

Executive Vice President of the SFDA’s medical devices sector Eng. Ali Al-Dalaan explained that the decision was made in light of the great efforts made by Saudi Arabia during the recent period, especially during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19.

This is in addition to a culmination of the center's effective contribution through the specialists of "Food and Drug" holding of several educational workshops and training courses to build legislative capacities for different countries in the African continent.

This enhances Saudi Arabia’s advanced position among the various regulatory bodies globally, its international efforts in monitoring and regulating medical devices and supplies through its presidency of the Global Harmonization Working Party (GHWP).

It also recognizes its effective practical contribution to various international organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF). — SPA