The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) held a community sensitisation workshop for stakeholders on Thursday, addressing the issue of substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the director of the North-West zone of the agency, Bala Mshelia, said the workshop aimed to raise awareness among stakeholders about substandard and falsified medicines.

He noted that these issues have become a global problem, posing significant public health challenges to National Medicines Regulatory Authorities.

Ms Mshelia stated that NAFDAC is intensifying efforts to curb the menace of such medicines in the state.

She criticised the unpatriotic businesspeople involved in the illegal manufacture, importation, and distribution of substandard and falsified medicines.

According to her, these individuals primarily target high-demand medicines used for treating diseases of public health importance.

She added, “The classes of medicines targeted include: antimalarials, antibiotics, anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetic agents, and lifestyle drugs.”

The director called on stakeholders to join in the fight to ensure that all drugs are safe for use.

Ms Mshelia said, “As we proceed with this workshop, let us remember that the fight against substandard and falsified medicines is not one that can be won in isolation.

“It requires collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the public. Together, we can create a future where every medicine on the shelf is safe, genuine, and beneficial to the health of our communities.”

In his remarks, the chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in the state, Sunday Ukoh, commended NAFDAC for the timely sensitisation.

He urged all stakeholders to be vigilant and take the necessary steps to address the problem.

Also speaking, the vice chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists, Abosede Garba, expressed concern over the prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines.

She noted that this issue is not only a challenge for healthcare professionals but also a severe public health concern, affecting the lives of millions of people.

Ms Garba stated that counterfeit products jeopardize patient health, undermine the credibility of the healthcare system, and threaten the progress made in fighting diseases.

“As front-line healthcare providers, we pharmacists bear a crucial responsibility in combating this challenge and ensuring that only safe, effective, and high-quality medicines reach our communities,” she said.

“Community pharmacists, as trusted healthcare professionals, are uniquely positioned to be the first line of defence against counterfeit medicines. Our proximity to the community and our daily interactions with patients give us the opportunity to play a pivotal role in identifying, reporting, and preventing the distribution of substandard products.”

She added that the workshop was an important step toward empowering pharmacists with the knowledge and tools to strengthen their role in the fight against counterfeit medicines.

Ms Garba commended NAFDAC for its unwavering commitment to protecting public health by tackling the issue of substandard and falsified medicines.

“Your efforts in regulating, educating, and raising awareness are invaluable in safeguarding the well-being of our citizens,” she said. “We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this cause.”

She urged pharmacists to remain vigilant, proactive, and steadfast in their commitment to promoting the safe use of medicines.

“By adhering to best practices, fostering strong relationships with regulatory bodies, and educating our patients, we can make a significant impact in curbing the circulation of dangerous counterfeit products,” Ms Garba added.

(NAN)