Fake medication is destroying Africa and stricter laws need to be implemented Photo Pexels
Africa – When we buy medication, it is with the expectation that it will make us feel better. However, as time goes on, the market for fake medicine is growing at an alarming rate putting us all at risk. Most seriously affected is Africa.
Counterfeit medicines or fake medicines should not be confused with generic medicines which are cheaper but still scientifically proven to be safe. Counterfeit medicines are either substandard medications or medication that is extremely harmful to one’s health, explained Dr David Katerere, research platform chair for pharmaceutical and biotech advancement in Africa.
“When you talk about counterfeit medicines you talk about fake medicines which are deliberately made and then infiltrated into markets. You also talk about substandard medicines which are made by companies but are just not meeting the right standards and sometimes it’s because those companies have lax quality control systems.”
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that almost half a million sub-Saharan Africans are killed because of fake medication.
What medication is counterfeited the most
Counterfeiters operate in the pharmaceutical world and the herbal world. However, more profit is found in pharmaceutical medicine especially those with a high demand, explained Katerere.
“Like good business people they tend to look at things that are in high demand. These would be things like pain medicines … In countries where there’s malaria they tend to go for malaria medicines. Fortunately in South Africa we have, for HIV, the National program which provides free medication. In parts of Africa where that medication would be expensive to access they would also get into that market.”
Medications like viagra tablets, weight loss medications and antibiotics to treat infections are some of the fake medications that tend to be popular.
SMread Deportation of Thabo Bester and associates from Tanzania is possible
The makers of the fake medication
When it comes to fake medicine and substandard medicine, they have two different producers, said Katerere. Most fake medication comes from China while substandard medicine is more often than not produced in Africa.
“Fake medicines would come from the same source markets where you get fake iPhones. Mostly out of China, India. This is almost organised crime. So it’s not that those governments are involved in this. It’s just criminal syndicates that are involved in this and they would then infiltrate products into markets … When it comes to substandard products these are sometimes manufactured on the continent and because we don’t have rigorous quality control standards. Companies might bring in ingredients under the belief that they’re good quality ingredients. They don’t really test them rigorously.”
In a recent case in Gambia, six children died from a cough mixture that was contaminated. Even though the medication was from a legitimate supplier, the quality of the ingredients were below par and some were even toxic compounds, said Katerere.
Spotting fake medication and putting a stop to it
While there is a need for the government to implement stricter measures and laws, citizens also need to protect themselves and do their due diligence. Just like how we inspect our food products and such, we need to do the same with our medication.
“When you buy medicines, especially when you’re taking the same medicines, when you get home inspect it and see if it actually matches what you previously took … The most important thing is to source your medication in legitimate sources right … The second thing is to inspect the packaging. There shouldn’t be any tampering of the packaging. When you’re taking your medication, it’s a good idea just to put it in the palm of your hand. Have a look at it and then take it.”
If you’ve been taking it for some time, it should look the same. If it is a tablet, it should be uniformed, no mould on it or any extra powder on it. If it is a liquid, smell it before you take it. If it has a chemical or petrol smell, it is best to throw it away.
For Katerere, the government has to implement harsher laws for those who deal in counterfeit medicine considering how many deaths it leads to. Until these laws and stricter regulations are not implemented, the fake medicine market will continue to grow.
To hear more from Dr. David Katerere on how to protect oneself from fake medication, listen to the podcast here:
