Emmanuel OchayiThe Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, has warned against the illicit sales and distribution of substandard and falsified medicines which pose a global threat.
Speaking at the 21st NECCI PR Roundtable in Lagos, Adeyeye highlighted the dire consequences of this issue on public health and the pharmaceutical industry.
She emphasized the severe financial losses and potential divestment that the pharmaceutical industry faces due to substandard and falsified medicines. She also warned that these activities threaten the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to provide safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines.
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“In today’s world of globalization and technological advancement, illicit trade in fake goods continues to grow, with enormous socio-economic impacts,” she stated, pointing out that it can weaken the rule of law and erode public confidence in the government.
Adeyeye revealed that the problem is prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, with Africa and Asia experiencing the highest incidence of substandard and falsified medicines. According to the World Health Organization, Africa accounted for 42% of recorded incidents between 2013 and 2017, with antibiotics and antimalarials being the most frequently reported counterfeit products.
She stressed that substandard and falsified medicines affect all types and classifications, from generics to prescription-only medicines, with life-saving drugs such as those for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and malaria being increasingly targeted.
The illegal trade in these medicines not only harms the economy but also poses serious threats to public health, as these medications are often improperly formulated and may contain dangerous ingredients. Furthermore, it burdens healthcare systems and erodes public confidence in them.
Adeyeye noted that various challenges, including weakened regulatory authorities and uncoordinated distribution systems, contribute to the illicit trade in substandard medicines. She also pointed out the growing use of postal and courier services to facilitate this trade, leading to increased e-commerce growth.
NAFDAC is taking steps to address this issue, with plans for an awareness and sensitization workshop in 2024. Prof. Adeyeye also called for tougher penalties and international collaboration to combat pharmaceutical crime effectively.
In addition to regulatory efforts, NAFDAC has deployed cutting-edge technologies like the TRUSCAN for on-the-spot detection of substandard medicines. The agency has also implemented the Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) to curb imports of fake pharmaceuticals from India and China.
The Director General emphasized the importance of effective communication in NAFDAC’s operations and called for a multifaceted approach and collaboration among stakeholders to combat the illicit trade in substandard medicines.
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