Abstract
Introduction: Pharmacovigilance (PV) activities were affected by COVID-19. Therefore, several health authorities around the world have issued guidelines and practices to ensure that PV activities are maintained and continued during the pandemic [1]. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the preparedness and performance of national PV systems in 14 Arab Countries in the Middle East. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted between July and October 2020. National PV centres in 18 in the Middle East were invited to participate in this study. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize and present the results of this study. Results: Responses were obtained from 14 (77.8%) countries. Adverse events reporting was the main PV activity that was covered by PV guidelines and practices. National guidelines and practices covered other PV activities in 8 (57.14%) of the participating countries. Performance and practices of national PV centres vary considerably among participating countries during the pandemic. Conclusion: The findings highlight the differences in preparedness and performance of different national PV centres in participating Middle Eastern countries. Improving digital infrastructure among participating countries could serve as a useful tool to minimize the impact of the pandemic on PV activities.