Combatting Counterfeit Medicines: Building Awareness and Collaboration
Learn about the impact of fake and counterfeit drugs on public health, the challenges faced by Nigeria's medical system, and effective strategies to address the issue. Explore the importance of integrity, commitment, and stakeholder collaboration in the fight against counterfeit medicines.
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Presentation Transcript
Host: American Business Council Sponsor: Pfizer Presented by Sola Ogundipe Health Editor, Vanguard Media Ltd October 28, 2020 Capacity building for media on reporting counterfeit medicines
"The evil of fake and counterfeit drugs is worse than the combined scourge of malaria, HIV/AIDS, armed robbery and illicit drugs -- Late Prof Dora Akunyili Counterfeit medicines are deliberately and fraudulently produced, mislabeled and sold with the intent to deceptively represent its origin, authenticity or effectiveness WHO Counterfeiting is like a balloon filled with water; you push it on one side, it goes and waits for your hands, and if you want to take the hands off, it can bounce back even stronger - Dr Paul Ohii
The problem/consequences Nigeria s medical system possess knowledge and education, but lacks adequate access to drugs Chaotic distribution system, unfettered access Poverty, ignorance fueling problem Treatment failures
The problem/consequences The patient is the most fragile link in chain of counterfeiting Economic problem, it takes income from consumers by having them pay for products that have little or no medical value Public health problem, threat to patient safety, lead to unresolved health problems, and even death from using cheap, substandard, and dangerous components
What works Passion: Fired by background and personal experiences Integrity: Code of Ethics, credibility, no compromise, favours or partiality Commitment: Networking - The war against counterfeit medicines demands a collaborative approach. Engagement with regulators
What works Support initiatives of NAFDAC, Customs, Police, legislature and other regulatory agencies Collaboration with stakeholders Pfizer NEAR, NAFDAC, PSN, PCN, PMG-MAN WACD (June 8) Global anti-counterfeiting coalition on deliberation on counterfeits; Abuja Call to Action (2010); Lome Initiative Against Trafficking in Substandard & Falsified Medicines; other regional efforts
Tips to Check for Counterfeit Medicines Fact checking Check the Packaging, No Breakage in the Seal, Tablets/Dosage Form, Physical Attributes of Tablets, etc Allergies / Unexpected Side Effects .. Price Verify Medicines by Online or SMS .. Vendors: Details on the Drug Manufacturer s address NAFDAC Number
Take Home Create continuous public awareness/education by writing/publishing more stories and produce more programmes from informed point of view that discuss dangers of counterfeit medicines in society Partnering/engagement with stakeholders and relevant agencies to build trust to fight the menace of counterfeits in society
Counterfeit medicine kills. Dont be a victim. Take a closer look at the that drug before consumption! Spread the word!
