By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reinterated the urgent need to fight adulterated drugs.
The agency said it continues to pose great danger to human health.
NAFDAC called on stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry to verify the sources of their medical products and secure receipts for all purchases.
The renewed campaign is part of NAFDAC’s ongoing effort to combat the spread of substandard and falsified medicines, which pose significant public health risks.
Speaking at a grassroots awareness campaign in Enugu, the South-East Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, underscored the need for collective action against counterfeit medicines. He encouraged stakeholders to break the culture of silence by reporting any suspicious activities, stressing that only a united front can effectively fight the proliferation of fake medicines.
“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.”Iluyomade urged, adding that NAFDAC is committed to delivering tangible results in the fight against counterfeit drugs.
Iluyomade explained that substandard medical products are those that have been authorized but fail to meet quality standards or specifications. On the other hand, falsified products involve the deliberate misrepresentation of a drug’s identity, composition, or source. He pointed to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that over 10% of medicines in low- and middle-income countries are substandard or falsified, with sub-Saharan Africa being especially affected.
“All of us have a duty to protect everyone around us against substandard and falsified medicines,” Iluyomade said. “we have to think of taking a critical stand against those that engage in the unwholesome practice.”
The Enugu State NAFDAC coordinator, Mr. Collins Ogedegbe, also emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue with stakeholders, ensuring that no link in the pharmaceutical supply chain is neglected.
Chairman of the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, Mr. Oliver Ezemba, praised NAFDAC and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their efforts in raising awareness. He noted that all NAPPMED members had closed their shops to participate in the event, underscoring the association’s commitment to following regulations and eliminating substandard medicines.
Ezemba expressed optimism that through collaboration, they can prevent the distribution of harmful medical products, ensuring the safety of everyone in the community.
The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including community pharmacists, traditional leaders, and the media.
