Pharmacoviglance centres

AEFI Review Committee

The AEFI surveillance functions of pharmacovigilance centres relate to the reporting and investigation of adverse events associated with vaccines as well as medicinal drugs. Many countries now operate a decentralized pharmacovigilance system, with a national pharmacovigilance centre (NPC) functioning as the focal point for a network of regional and/or local centres. These may be located in a range of organizations, including relevant government departments, hospitals, academic environments, or hosted by a professional body such as a national medical association.

The provision of a high-quality information service to health workers is a basic task of NPCs. Continuous and appropriate educational activities improves knowledge, and stimulates and encourages health workers to report AEFIs.