Mathematics and Statistics: Indispensable Tools in NAFDAC

Samson B. Adebayo, Ph.D.Professor of Biostatistics

Director of Planning, Research & StatisticsNat. Ag. for Food & Drug Admin. &

Control (NAFDAC)

Outline

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Overview of NAFDAC

Directorates in NAFDAC

Use of Mathematics and Statistics in NAFDAC Planning, Research and Statistics Directorate of

NAFDAC – Dashboard

Conclusion

Overview of NAFDAC

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• NAFDAC was established by Decree 15 of 1993 as amended by Decree 19 of 1999

• Now the NAFDAC Act Cap N1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.• This Act mandates NAFDAC to regulate and control the

manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, detergents, medical devices and packaged

Vision: Safeguarding the health of the nation

Overview NAFDAC - Structure

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• Human Resources Management• Finance and Accounts Service Directorates• Planning, Research and Statistics

• Chemical Evaluation & Research• Registration and Regulatory Affairs• Ports Inspection• Laboratory Services • Investigation & Enforcement Technical

Directorates• NarcoticsandControlledSubstances • Drug Evaluation & Research• Food Safety & Applied Nutrition• Pharmacovigilance and Post Market Surveillance • Veterinary Medicine & Allied Products

Use of Mathematics and Statistics in a Regulatory Agency

• First, it is important that informed decisions are taken in a Regulatory Agency

• The question is: How do you make an informed decision?

• Or what do you need to make an informed decision?

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Mathematics and Statistics as:

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MathematicsAristotle Defined Mathematics as:• The science of quantity. 

• It is said that Mathematics is the gate and key of all sciences.

• Therefore, Mathematics is a ‘Science’ of all ‘Sciences’ and ‘Art’ of all ‘Arts’.

Mathematics and Statistics - 2

Statistics• Statistics is defined as the science of collecting,

analysing and drawing conclusions from data.• Another definition of statistics states that it is

the science: pure and applied, of creating, developing and applying techniques such that the uncertainty of inductive inferences may be evaluated.

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Mathematics and Statistics - 3Statistics - 2• It is very useful since it is concerned with

making inferences about a body of data when only a part of the data are observed or studied.

• Its relevance spans across very wide range of subjects including agriculture, biology, education, business, archaeology, psychology, economics to mention only a few.

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Mathematics and Statistics - 3Statistics - 3• Statistics is a branch of Mathematics which has rapidly

gained ground in decision theory.• It is not far-fetched, therefore, that all statistical techniques

take their roots from principles of Mathematics• While Mathematical models assume an almost

infinitesimally perfect one, statistical models consider some level of uncertainty

• This level of uncertainty is therefore accommodated with some probabilistic precisions in making informed decisions.

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Use of Mathematics and Statistics in NAFDAC

• Mobile Authentication Service: uses the principle of random numbers

• Issuance of chemical permit: uses the combination of mathematics and forecast approach to match needs with usage

• Sampling – Inspection– Quality Assurance– Post Marketing

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Mathematics and Statistics in NAFDAC … • Compliance with standards

– Food Fortification with Vitamin A• Flour • Sugar• Vegetable Oil

– Salt Iodization• Statistical quality control of products• Calibration of laboratory equipment

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Mathematics and Statistics in NAFDAC - 2 • Comparison of gold standard with test method

– HPLC with I-Check– HPLC with TruScan– HPLC with mobile laboratory

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Gold standard Test methodPassed Failed

Passed Correct WrongFailed Wrong Correct

Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) Directorate of NAFDAC – a Dashboard

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PRS in NAFDAC• Through its PRS Directorate, NAFDAC’s

interventions are based on a properly structured Strategic Plan (SP)

• The process for developing the SP ensures proper integration of the activities for all the Directorates of the Agency

• Both mathematical and statistical approaches are used in setting its milestones and targets

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Some Statistical Techniques Deployed by NAFDAC

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• Operation Research• Statistical Quality Control • Biostatistics • Clinical Trial• Geostatistics – a combination of GIS & Statistics

Conclusion• NAFDAC’s interventions and activities are

evidence-driven.• This has made the Agency to be known

globally for its Evidence-based Regulatory Decision Making

• All these can be attributed to effective use of Mathematics and Statistics as Indispensable Tools in the Agency

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Finally, I implore the listeners that; In the realm of uncertainty, consult a statistician

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