SFDA Connects National Pharmacovigilance Database to WHO Global Platform, Strengthening Drug Safety

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has signed an agreement with the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) in Sweden to connect Saudi Arabia’s national pharmacovigilance database with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global system for Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs)—the world’s central hub for monitoring adverse drug reactions.

 According to a press release issued by the SFDA today, the agreement was formalized during the official visit of Minister of Health and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SFDA Fahad AlJalajel and his accompanying delegation to the Kingdom of Sweden.

 Through this connection to the WHO’s global platform, Saudi Arabia gains stronger, earlier insight into potential adverse drug reactions, enhancing the precision of regulatory decision-making and raising the performance of the national pharmacovigilance system. This step also aligns Saudi Arabia’s drug safety efforts with leading international practices and expands its collaboration with global partners to ensure the availability of safe, high-quality medicines.

 The release added that this achievement reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s position as a reliable international partner in advancing drug safety and highlights its commitment to supporting global systems that protect patients and reinforce public health.