Governor Soludo Partners with NAFDAC to Eradicate Counterfeit Drugs in Anambra: A Renewed Fight for Public Health


In a decisive move to combat the proliferation of counterfeit drugs, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has pledged robust collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This initiative aims to eradicate fake, substandard, and adulterated medications from markets across the state.

Addressing traders at the Ogbo Ogwu market in Onitsha, which was recently shut down by NAFDAC due to the sale of counterfeit and expired drugs, Governor Soludo emphasized the critical need for stringent enforcement to safeguard public health. He recalled a previous four-month closure of the market in 2007, underscoring the necessity of such actions to protect citizens from the dangers of fake pharmaceuticals. 

Governor Soludo expressed his commitment to resolving the issue, stating, "The enforcement is being carried out by NAFDAC. We are here to solve the problem." He highlighted the alarming presence of counterfeit drugs in unexpected places, referencing a meeting with the head of a plumbing market who was shocked to discover illicit drugs within the area. The governor warned of the severe health risks posed by these fake medications, noting that taking counterfeit malaria pills, for instance, can exacerbate health problems rather than provide a cure.

This crackdown in Anambra aligns with NAFDAC's intensified nationwide efforts to address the menace of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. In Lagos, the agency sealed over 3,000 shops in the Idumota Open Drug Market and seized 12 truckloads of fake drugs. The operation uncovered alarming violations, including vaccines stored in dilapidated, poorly ventilated rooms sealed with iron sheets, creating significant health risks. Additionally, large quantities of banned and hazardous drugs, such as Analgin injections, diverted HIV antiretroviral drugs, and expired medicines intended for illegal revalidation, were confiscated. 

The prevalence of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria has been a persistent issue, with reports indicating that the country is grappling with a proliferation of fake and substandard products, including food items and medicines. This situation poses significant risks to public health, leading to numerous fatalities annually. Factors contributing to this crisis include ineffective regulation, unregulated open drug markets, and overreliance on imported medications, which often serve as conduits for counterfeit products. 

Governor Soludo's proactive stance and NAFDAC's rigorous enforcement actions represent critical steps toward eliminating counterfeit drugs from Nigeria's markets. These efforts aim to ensure that medications available to the public are safe, effective, and capable of providing the intended therapeutic benefits.

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