NAFDAC intensifies war on fake drugs amid rising health concerns

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reinforced its commitment to eliminating substandard and counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.

The dangers of fake and substandard drugs in the country, according to it, have reached alarming levels, posing risks to public health and economic stability.

Despite years of regulatory efforts, counterfeit pharmaceuticals continue to flood the market, with estimates indicating that up to 70 per cent of drugs in circulation are substandard or fake.

A 2022 report by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) revealed that about 70 per cent of drugs in Nigeria were substandard or counterfeit.

Similarly, NAFDAC found that 41 per cent of pharmaceuticals were counterfeit, while 14.7 per cent were outright fake.

The statistics highlight the gravity of the situation, particularly as the nation struggles to maintain quality healthcare services.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), fake drugs are often produced by unskilled individuals in unregulated facilities and are predominantly supplied to low-income countries with weak regulatory frameworks.

The situation has led to devastating health consequences, including prolonged illness, increased medical costs, and even deaths.

In sub-Saharan Africa alone, an estimated 500,000 people die yearly from counterfeit drugs, with malaria and pneumonia treatments being the most common.

In recent crackdowns across Idumota in Lagos, Aba in Abia State, and Onitsha in Anambra State, the agency shut down over 3,000 illegal drug outlets and confiscated 24 truckloads of fake drugs, machines, and packaging materials.

The operation, led by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, was part of intensified efforts to curb the circulation of dangerous medicines.

Beyond the health risks, the economic impact of counterfeit drugs is significant.

Pharmaceutical companies and investors face financial losses due to the activities of drug counterfeiters, discouraging further investment in the country’s healthcare sector.

The rise in drug counterfeiting also exacerbates national security concerns, as criminal networks use fake drug sales to launder money, finance terrorism, and fund other illegal activities, including arms proliferation, insurgency, and kidnapping.