The proliferation of substandard and falsified medicines poses a grave risk to public health and economic growth, warns Prof. Moji Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Speaking at the 23rd NECCI PR Roundtable in Lagos, Adeyeye emphasised the serious consequences of illicit sales and distribution of substandard and falsified medicines, noting that they jeopardise the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and pose a global threat to public health. These issues also result in significant financial losses and potential industry closures.
The event’s theme, “Fighting the Scourge of Illicit Trade in the Pharma Industry: The Role of Communication,” highlighted the critical role communication plays in addressing this problem.
Adeyeye stressed that addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, as no single agency can tackle the issue alone.
She pointed out various challenges, including uncoordinated drug distribution, drug hawking, the use of postal and courier services for substandard drugs, and the proliferation of rogue online pharmacists.
NAFDAC is taking measures to bridge the gap, such as achieving ISO9001:2015 certification and WHO Maturity Level 3.
These certifications signify that NAFDAC is operating as a stable, well-functioning regulatory system for medicines and vaccines, striving to provide safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all Nigerians.
Adeyeye’s words serve as a call to action to address this pressing issue that affects public health and the pharmaceutical industry.
Nkechi Ali-Balogun, the convener of the NECCI PR Roundtable, highlighted the pharmaceutical sector’s vital role in safeguarding public health and the need to combat the shadowy world of illicit activities undermining progress.
This issue necessitates collective efforts and comprehensive strategies to protect public health, support legitimate trade, and curtail illicit activities that put lives and the pharmaceutical industry at risk.
Source: The Guardian Newspaper