NAFDAC Urges Stakeholders to Verify Medicine Sources in Fight Against Counterfeits

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2024. The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a new initiative to combat the spread of counterfeit medicines in Nigeria. In a recent grassroots awareness campaign held in Enugu, NAFDAC officials urged all stakeholders in the medicine sales value chain to take proactive steps in verifying the sources of their medical products and obtaining receipts for all purchases.

Mr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC South East Zonal Director, emphasized the critical nature of this issue, stating, "Verify the source of medical products and obtain receipts for purchases. Break the culture of silence; report suspicious activities. The fight against counterfeit medicines requires a united front."

The campaign highlighted the severe threat posed by substandard and falsified medical products to public health and socio-economic development. According to the World Health Organization, over 10% of medicines in low-middle income countries are substandard or falsified, with sub-Saharan Africa being particularly affected.

Iluyomade explained the distinction between substandard and falsified products, noting that substandard medicines fail to meet quality standards or specifications despite being authorized by national authorities. In contrast, falsified products involve deliberate misrepresentation of a drug's identity, composition, or source.

"All of us have a duty to protect everyone around us against substandard and falsified medicines," Iluyomade urged. "We should stand against substandard and falsified medicines and report to NAFDAC anyone selling or distributing chalks and other unwholesome substances as medicines."

The Enugu State NAFDAC coordinator, Mr. Collins Ogedegbe, stressed the importance of continuous dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure comprehensive coverage of the medicine supply and sales value chain. This inclusive approach aims to leave no stone unturned in the fight against counterfeit medicines.

The initiative has garnered support from various sectors. Mr. Oliver Ezemba, Chairman of the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) in Ogbete Main Market (Unit A) Enugu, praised NAFDAC and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their efforts in sensitizing and enlightening stakeholders. He noted the commitment of NAPPMED members to adhere to regulations and exercise greater caution in their medicine sales businesses.

"NAPPMED has been actively partnering with NAFDAC and other agencies or bodies involved in medicine value-chain supply and sales all these years," Ezemba said. "With today's interface and sensitisation, we will fashion out ways to work closely and by doing that, checkmate all forms of substandard and falsified medicines sales and outlets."

The awareness campaign brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including community pharmacists, representatives of traditional rulers and community leaders, as well as media personnel. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of a united approach in tackling the pervasive issue of counterfeit medicines.

As NAFDAC continues its mission to safeguard public health and prevent harmful products from entering the market, the agency calls on all Nigerians to remain vigilant and play their part in the fight against counterfeit medicines. By verifying sources, obtaining receipts and reporting suspicious activities, every individual can contribute to creating a safer healthcare environment for all.

Source: Punch news 

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Published: October 16, 2024

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