NAFDAC Sounds Alarm: Over 50% Of Imported Pharmaceutical Certificates Fake, Posing Grave Threat To Public Health

NAFDAC Sounds Alarm: Over 50% Of Imported Pharmaceutical Certificates Fake, Posing Grave Threat To Public Health

Introduction: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised a red flag, revealing that more than 50% of certificates of pharmaceutical products imported into Nigeria are counterfeit….READ MORE

The agency’s Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this alarming information during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Abuja.

Counterfeit Invasion: Prof Adeyeye expressed deep concern over the infiltration of fake certificates, emphasizing that substandard and falsified pharmaceuticals jeopardize access to safe and affordable medicines, posing a severe threat to achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria and Africa. She stressed the importance of ensuring that medical products in circulation meet the required standards for quality, safety, and efficacy.

Failed Assurance Scheme: The Director-General revealed that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had established a certificate of pharmaceutical product (CPP) scheme to guarantee the quality of medicines sent across borders. However, despite the scheme’s intent, over 50% of CPPs arriving in Nigeria are found to be fake, raising serious questions about the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Root Causes and Accountability: Prof Adeyeye attributed the prevalence of fake certificates to the activities of individuals who negotiate pharmaceutical deals in countries like China and India. She emphasized NAFDAC’s commitment to addressing the issue, stating that stringent measures, including blacklisting companies and imposing sanctions, would be taken to ensure accountability and safeguard public health.

International Impact: Highlighting the international dimension of the problem, Prof Adeyeye underscored that the issue is not limited to Nigeria alone but extends to the African continent. She revealed that NAFDAC, in collaboration with global regulatory bodies, had prevented over 140 approved products from entering the country, indicating a rigorous approach to quality control.

NAFDAC’s Role and Recognition: Prof Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to combating substandard and falsified medicines through prevention, detection, and response strategies. The agency has received recognition from the World Health Organisation, achieving a maturity level 3 rating in 2022. This places NAFDAC on the path to being globally recognized as a well-functioning regulatory authority meeting international standards.

Conclusion: As NAFDAC intensifies its efforts to combat the influx of fake pharmaceutical certificates, the implications for public health remain a central concern. The agency’s commitment to stringent measures and international collaboration signifies a proactive stance against the grave threat posed by substandard and falsified medicines. The battle against counterfeit pharmaceuticals is a collective effort, demanding continuous vigilance and cooperation from stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of the public