FROM PASSIVE REPORTING TO ACTIVE PARTICIPATION: ENGAGING COMMUNITIES IN PHARMACOVIGILANCE”-A REVIEW

Abstract

Pharmacovigilance has traditionally depended on passive reporting systems, largely reliant on healthcare professionals, which remain limited by underreporting and delayed detection of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). In recent years, there has been a growing call for a more inclusive approach that actively engages patients, caregivers, and communities as core contributors to drug safety monitoring. This participatory model captures firsthand experiences, broadens the spectrum of safety data, and strengthens trust between patients, healthcare providers, and regulators. Digital innovations—such as mobile applications, electronic health records, and social media—further enable real-time community participation in signal detection and ADR reporting. International initiatives, including those by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the WHO-Uppsala Monitoring Centre, underscore the global movement 
toward people-centred pharmacovigilance. This review examines the shift from passive to active reporting, highlights global examples of community-driven  pharmacovigilance, discusses key benefits and challenges, and proposes strategies for sustaining meaningful public engagement. By embracing community participation, pharmacovigilance can evolve into a more transparent, responsive, and patient-centred system, ultimately enhancing drug safety outcomes worldwide.