Toxicovigilance systems and practices in Africa

The need for toxico-surveillance (TV) activities in African countries is now largely recognized. African Governments have been encouraged to support the establishment toxicology information center or poison control center equipped with appropriate means for poisoning prevention and management. Major causes of poisoning in Africa had been found to be: accidental from mishandling of pesticides (Tall et al, 2010 and N.P.A.S report, 2012), accidental poisoning from kerosene ingestion due to unsafe storage methods in the home (Kate Balm, 2012), pesticide poisoning at home or in the farm, use of herbal potions of unknown composition (E.E Clarke, 2004), overdoses of certain pharmaceuticals (Tagwireyi et al, 2002), drugs suicide (Muller et al in 1993) , snakes bites (Toxicologie Maroc newsletter, 2010), emission of toxic gases (Agency for International Development, 1987), alcoholic beverages and accidental food poisonings (Muruka et al, 2011).