The Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig-Gen (Rtd), Mohamed Buba Marwa, and other high networth guests are expected at the 23rd NECCI PR Roundtable scheduled for October 27 and 28, 2023.

Founder/Convener, NECCI PR Roundtable, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, disclosed that theme of the event is: “Fighting the Scourge of Illicit Trade in the Pharma Industry: The Role of Communication.”

Speaking further, she noted the conference would highlight the role communication plays in curbing drug counterfeiting in pharmaceutical industry.

According to her, “in an increasingly interconnected world, the pharmaceutical industry faces a significant challenge: The rise of illicit trade. Counterfeit drugs, substandard medications, and unauthorised distribution pose serious risks to public health and safety. As stakeholders in this critical sector, we must come together to combat this scourge effectively.”

According to Ali-Balogun, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) has observed that over 70 per cent of medicines being dispensed in Nigeria were sub-standard. About 120,000 Africans die yearly. A lot of Nigerians have been hard hit by this menace.

She continued, “medical experts have noted that some of the health issues ranging from loss of sight and hearing defects as well as kidney and liver issues are caused by substandard drugs or abuse thereof. Many lives have been lost and some maimed for life.”

Despite counterfeit medicines’ health and safety risks, she observed public awareness of the prevalence and consequences of taking such drugs is lacking.

To this end, she stated the 23rd episode of the roundtable, therefore seeks to advocate radical and lasting interventions for this problem through strategic informational communication campaigns that focus on attitude change to curtail the global counterfeit medicines market and ensure public health and safety.

She further added that public awareness campaigns can empower consumers to recognise counterfeit drugs and make informed choices.

“By disseminating information through various channels—such as social media, radio, and community events we can raise awareness about the dangers of illicit pharmaceuticals and more importantly help to bring culprits to book.

“The fight against illicit trade in the pharmaceutical industry requires a multifaceted approach—one that combines communication, regulation, technology, and collaboration. By working together, we can safeguard public health and ensure that patients receive safe and effective medications,” she noted.

Ali-Balogun added that other speakers include, Acting Comptroller General, Nigeria Custom Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; immediate past Chairman, Access Bank, Dere Awosika; Founder/MD Biofem Group, Femi Soremekun and a host of other intellectuals as panelists.

The roundtable continues with a professional PR programme on lobbying and advocacy the next day with global thought leaders such as, CEO & Founder Proshare Nigeria, Olufemi Awoyemi; Consultant and Corporate Advisor, FSA Credential Holder (SASB/ IFRS), Bolarinwa Onaolapo and Dr. David Mrisho of the St. Augustine University, Tanzania.
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