In commemoration of the #MedSafety Week campaign, Lesotho is proud to participate in the launch of the ninth global #MedSafety Week initiative, running from November 4 to 10. The Lesotho Medicines Regulatory Authority (LeMERA) is one of 104 partner organizations collaborating on this vital global effort to enhance medicine safety.
Mrs. Marelebohile Mabuzela from the Department of Pharmaceutical, within the Ministry of Health, highlighted this year’s theme, which emphasizes the importance of using medicines correctly to prevent side effects and the necessity of reporting any side effects that do occur. “Medicines are used by millions of people to treat their illnesses. However, sometimes they can cause side effects. By using medicines correctly, we can drastically reduce the risk of side effects and severe harm,” she explained.
The #MedSafety Week campaign serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility of patients and healthcare professionals to ensure the safe use of medications. Mrs. Mabuzela stated, “Patient safety is our top priority. During this campaign, we want to remind patients to take their medicines as instructed and healthcare professionals to review therapies before prescribing them.”
This campaign is particularly significant as it aims to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with medication use, encouraging patients to be proactive in their treatment. It also stresses the importance of open communication between patients and healthcare providers, fostering a collaborative approach to medicine safety.
As part of the global initiative, various activities and educational programs will take place throughout the week to engage communities and enhance understanding of the proper use of medicines. These efforts aim to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health and to encourage a culture of reporting side effects to improve overall medicine safety.
Lesotho’s involvement in the #MedSafety Week campaign reflects its commitment to improving health outcomes and ensuring the safety of its population. By raising awareness and promoting best practices in medicine use, Lesotho joins a global movement to enhance patient safety and improve health systems worldwide.
