The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a critical warning to Nigerians about the circulation of substandard and falsified antimalarial and antibiotic medications. This announcement was made by Bala Mshelia, Director of NAFDAC’s North West Zone, during a community sensitization workshop held in Kaduna on September 20th, 2024.
Mshelia emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are maximizing efforts to curb the menace of substandard and falsified medicines in the state.” He specifically identified problematic medications such as Fansidar 25/500mg and Combiart 20/120mg (antimalarials), OHEAL Ampicillin, and Cloxacillin Capsules (antibiotics), along with drugs for hypertension, diabetes, and lifestyle diseases.
Highlighting the need for a collective effort, Mshelia said, “The fight against substandard and falsified medicines cannot 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.
Supporting this initiative, Sunday Ukoh, Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, pledged, “We must be on the lookout to do the needful.” Abosede Garba, Vice Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists, added, “As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists bear a crucial responsibility in combating this challenge. We must be vigilant, proactive, and steadfast in promoting safe medication use.”
NAFDAC has intensified its surveillance activities, regulation, education, and awareness campaigns to safeguard public health. This multi-faceted approach aims to ensure that all medications available to Nigerians are safe and effective.
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