In a decisive move to protect public health, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a powerful call to stakeholders in the medical sales value chain. The agency urges all involved to rigorously verify the sources of their medical products and ensure they obtain receipts for every purchase. This initiative is aimed at combating the rampant issue of substandard and falsified medicines that threaten the well-being of Nigerians.
During a recent grassroots awareness campaign in Enugu, NAFDAC South East Zonal Director, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, emphasized the critical need for collective action against counterfeit medicines. “The fight requires collaboration from all stakeholders,” he stated, promising tangible results in the near future.
Iluyomade's message was clear: “Verify the source of medical products and obtain receipts for purchases. Break the culture of silence; report suspicious activities. We need a united front to tackle the menace of counterfeit medicines.” His impassioned plea underscores the importance of community involvement in safeguarding health and preventing harmful products from infiltrating the market.
Substandard and falsified medical products represent a grave threat not only to public health but also to socio-economic development. Iluyomade explained the distinction between substandard products—those authorized by national authorities but failing to meet quality standards—and falsified products, which involve deliberate misrepresentation of a drug’s identity, composition, or source. He highlighted a sobering statistic from the World Health Organization, noting that over 10% of medicines in low- to middle-income countries are substandard or falsified, with sub-Saharan Africa being particularly affected.
“We all have a duty to protect those around us from these dangerous products,” Iluyomade urged. “As I speak, counterfeit medicines are still being circulated, finding their way into drug markets and health facilities. We must take a stand against this and report anyone selling chalks or other harmful substances as medicine to NAFDAC.”
Mr. Collins Ogedegbe, NAFDAC’s Enugu State coordinator, emphasized the need for continuous dialogue among all stakeholders. “We believe that engaging everyone involved in the medicine supply and sales value chain is essential,” he remarked. “We want to work as a team to ensure there is no hiding place for unethical practices in Enugu State.”
The sentiment was echoed by Mr. Oliver Ezemba, Chairman of the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) in Ogbete Main Market, who praised NAFDAC and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their commitment to sensitization and education. “It is gratifying to see all NAPPMED members closing their shops to learn and adhere to regulations,” he said, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring safety in medicine sales.
Ezemba further stated, “With this engagement, we will develop strategies to combat substandard and falsified medicines effectively. When we work together, we can safeguard the health of everyone in our communities.”
The sensitization event drew a diverse audience, including community pharmacists, traditional rulers, community leaders, and media representatives, all united in the common goal of ensuring the integrity of the medical supply chain. As NAFDAC rallies support against counterfeit medicines, it’s clear that collective action and vigilance are crucial in protecting public health and fostering a safer environment for all.
