The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sounded a warning about the spread of low-quality and counterfeit medications in Nigeria, which presents a serious risk to public health.
Bala Mshelia, director of NAFDAC’s North West Zone, warned at a community sensitization workshop in Kaduna on Friday, ‘We are maximizing efforts to curb the menace of substandard and falsified medicines in the state.”
Mshelia identified specific targeted medicines, including Fansidar 25/500mg and Combiart 20/120mg (antimalarials), Oheal ampicillin, and cloxacillin capsules (antibiotics), along with additional medications for hypertension, diabetes, and lifestyle diseases.
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“The fight against substandard and falsified medicines cannot be won in isolation. It requires collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the public,” Mshelia emphasised
“As we proceed with this workshop, let us remember that the fight against substandard and falsified medicines cannot be won in isolation.
“It requires collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the public. Together, we can create a future where every medicine on the shelf is safe, genuine, and beneficial to the health of our communities,” he said.
Sunday Ukoh, the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, expressed his commitment by saying, “We must be on the lookout to do the needful.”
Abosede Garba, Vice Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists, stated, ““As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists bear a crucial responsibility in combating this challenge. We must be vigilant, proactive, and steadfast in promoting safe medication use.”
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has enhanced its monitoring efforts, regulatory measures, educational initiatives, and public awareness campaigns to protect public health.
