#Antares Vision #Guinea-Bissau #Pharmaceutical Traceability #Bissau

Advances in Pharmaceutical Traceability in Guinea-Bissau

In a groundbreaking initiative, Guinea-Bissau's Minister of Public Health, Dr. Augusto Gomes, signed a new national Track & Trace mandate on September 19, 2025, in collaboration with the Antares Vision Group. This agreement is set to revolutionize the pharmaceutical landscape in West Africa by establishing one of the most ambitious frameworks for pharmaceutical traceability. Antares Vision, an Italian multinational leader in Track & Trace and quality control systems, is integrating innovative data management approaches to ensure product safety and supply chain transparency.

This strategic partnership builds on a previous landmark agreement signed in February 2025, during which Dr. Gomes visited Antares Vision Group's headquarters in May. The scope of their collaboration has now expanded into critical areas, including local pharmaceutical manufacturing and Serialisation-as-a-Service solutions. By also extending traceability requirements to the medical devices sector, Guinea-Bissau is on its way to becoming a regional leader in digital health solutions.

Gianluca Mazzantini, CEO of Antares Vision Group, eloquently stated, "We are proud to support this milestone and announce the next phase of our cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health. Pharmaceutical safety and transparency form the foundation of a modern healthcare system. The National Drug Catalogue plays a central role in overseeing compliance, protecting patients, and ensuring sustainable access to medicines."

As part of this transformative initiative, the National Drug Catalogue will serve as the official repository for all pharmaceutical-related data, facilitating real-time regulatory oversight. Managed by ARFAME (Autoridade Reguladora de Farmácia, Laboratório e Medicamentos), this catalogue strengthens patient safety by centralizing data on product approvals and enhancing supply chain transparency.

Antares Vision’s Government Solutions suite is pivotal in enabling this framework. It aims to streamline processes for pharmaceutical manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, and dispensers, all in alignment with regulations scheduled to take effect in March 2026. The upcoming launch of AVGroupHub in October 2025 will provide a digital platform for all stakeholders to register, thus facilitating compliance and enhancing operational efficiencies.

Moreover, the Ministry of Public Health is implementing a robust inspection framework designed to significantly reduce illicit import activities and product diversions. This initiative ensures that the citizens of Guinea-Bissau receive only safe and authorized medicines.

"By entering into manufacturing, medical devices, and digital services, we are helping Guinea-Bissau set a benchmark for the West African region," noted Sebastian Neuwirth, Head of Government Solutions at Antares Vision Group. He emphasized the importance of innovation and cooperation as critical drivers for change in healthcare.

Through this partnership, Guinea-Bissau is not only enhancing its pharmaceutical landscape but also generating revenues in 2025, illustrating the immediate impact and long-term sustainability of this initiative. Additionally, Antares Vision Group is proactively engaging with international donor organizations to explore more digital healthcare solutions tailored to the region’s specific needs.

In summary, the collaboration between Guinea-Bissau and Antares Vision Group marks a significant step towards establishing a comprehensive pharmaceutical traceability ecosystem. This initiative not only aims to safeguard public health but also positions Guinea-Bissau as a pivotal player in the digital health landscape across West Africa. As more industries turn to digital solutions, this partnership signifies a forward-looking approach to healthcare innovation, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.