The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is stepping up its fight against the growing threat of substandard and fake medicines, a critical global issue that endangers public health and safety.
NAFDAC’s North-West Director, Bala Mshelia, emphasized this during a sensitization workshop held in Kaduna.
The workshop, organized by NAFDAC, is aimed at raising awareness among key stakeholders about the severe health risks posed by counterfeit and substandard medicines.
Discussions centered around the illegal production and distribution of fake drugs, especially those used to treat widespread ailments like malaria, hypertension, and diabetes.
Mshelia called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the public to address the problem.
NAFDAC also stressed the importance of proper medication handling, urging the public to avoid buying medicines from unlicensed sources.
Participants underscored the vital role that pharmacists play in identifying and preventing counterfeit drugs from reaching patients.
The workshop was rounded off with a call for pharmacists to remain vigilant and proactive in educating the public while adhering to best practices to curb the circulation of dangerous counterfeit medicines.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
