The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued a warning regarding the increasing circulation of substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria, a serious threat to public health.
The Director of NAFDAC’s North West Zone, Bala Mshelia, made the announcement during a community sensitization workshop in Kaduna on Friday.
He emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating the issue, stating, “We are maximising efforts to curb the menace of substandard and falsified medicines in the state.”
Mshelia highlighted specific targeted medicines, including Fansidar 25/500mg and Combiart 20/120mg (antimalarials), as well as OHEAL Ampicillin, Cloxacillin Capsules (antibiotics), and medications for hypertension, diabetes, and lifestyle diseases.
“The fight against substandard and falsified medicines cannot be won in isolation,” he stressed, calling for collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the public. He urged everyone to participate in ensuring that all drugs are safe for use.
“As we proceed with this workshop, let us remember that collaboration is essential,” Mshelia continued. “Together, we can create a future where every medicine on the shelf is safe, genuine, and beneficial to the health of our communities.”
Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Sunday Ukoh, expressed support for the initiative, stating, “We must be on the lookout to do the needful.”
Vice Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists, Abosede Garba, reinforced the importance of pharmacists in this fight, declaring, “As frontline healthcare providers, we bear a crucial responsibility in combating this challenge. We must be vigilant, proactive, and steadfast in promoting safe medication use.”
In response to the rising threat, NAFDAC has intensified its surveillance activities, regulation, education, and awareness campaigns to safeguard public health across the nation.
