[Substandard and falsified medical products: 25 years of successful network collaboration among regulatory authorities in the AmericasProdutos médicos de qualidade inferior e falsificados: 25 anos de colaboração bem-sucedida em rede entre autoridades reguladoras da Região das Américas].

Abstract

Objective: To present the background, results, contributions, challenges, future prospects of the Regional Network of Focal Points for Prevention, Detection, and Response to Substandard and Falsified Medical Products (SF Network) in the Americas during the two decades of its existence.

Method: A documentary review was conducted to identify the background, results, and future prospects of the SF Network. The time horizon considered was 1999 -2025. The data are presented in narrative form.

Results: At present, 28 countries in the Region of the Americas have active participation in the initiative. This has made it possible to: exchange information on nearly 650 incidents over the past 10 years; publish 12 technical documents on this subject; and convene 14 national meetings and workshops in the Region. The three key achievements of the initiative are collaborative work, the strengthening of market surveillance and control capacities among members, and the sustainability strategy.

Conclusions: The achievements, experiences, and actions of the SF Network represent a success story that demonstrates the value and necessity of using models that facilitate exchange and collaboration between countries. The future of the SF Network should focus on new forms of member participation that strengthen the development of solutions and strategies, in relation to both known issues and emerging regional and global challenges.