WATCH VIDEO: Hon. Amobi Ogah Urges FG To Subsidize Malaria Drugs, Combat Fake Pills

Nigeria’s shambolic healthcare delivery system is under renewed attack from several fronts. Apart from frequent outbreaks of diseases, dependence on imported medicines and the exodus of medical professionals, the influx of fake and substandard drugs has become a deluge, causing illnesses, disabilities and deaths in Nigeria and other West African countries. The government needs to urgently reinvigorate its strategy to protect the people from the scourge of counterfeit drugs.

Speaking with AFNews correspondence in an interview about the effects of fake malaria, the Hon. Member Representing Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi Federal Constituency – Abia state, Hon Amobi Oga said “For as long as effective medicines have existed, people have produced fake versions. That’s because counterfeiting pharmaceutical drugs is profitable business for manufacturers. This illegal activity is most common in places with little government oversight and limited access to safe, affordable and high-quality medicines.

“It’s been estimated that 116,000 people die in sub-Saharan Africa each year because of counterfeit malaria drugs. In other words, over a quarter of all deaths from malaria are linked to fraudulent drugs.

“In addition, up to 169,271 deaths are linked to falsified and substandard antibiotics used to treat severe pneumonia in children. Recent alerts from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control warn of adulterated cough syrups, antibiotics and other children’s remedies in the market.

Counterfeit drugs are a deadly and growing problem globally, particularly in developing nations where supply chain security is limited, undermining progress towards meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Nigeria’s case is dire.”

Watch Video below: