The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) initiated a two-day sensitization workshop in Kano, Northwest Nigeria, focusing on new technologies designed to combat the pervasive issue of counterfeit medical products. The workshop, held at the Digital Bridge Institute, targeted stakeholders in the healthcare sector, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and tools to identify and report counterfeit drugs. NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the agency’s commitment to leveraging technology to mitigate the detrimental effects of counterfeit medications on public health. She highlighted the persistent challenge posed by counterfeiters who constantly devise new methods to circumvent regulations and distribute their illicit products.
Central to the workshop were three key initiatives: the NAFDAC Greenbook, the Traceability Regulation 2024, and the Pediatric Regulation 2024. The Greenbook, an online resource accessible to the public, serves as a database of NAFDAC-registered products. Consumers can utilize the Greenbook to verify the authenticity of a product by checking its registration status. This empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare purchases and avoid potentially harmful counterfeit medications. The Traceability Regulation 2024 focuses on establishing a system to track medical products throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution, enhancing transparency and accountability.
The Pediatric Regulation 2024 addresses the specific healthcare needs of children, acknowledging their vulnerability to substandard medications. This regulation underscores the importance of tailored formulations and dosage forms for pediatric populations, ensuring their safety and efficacy. Prof. Adeyeye stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in combating the proliferation of counterfeit medical products. She urged healthcare professionals, consumers, and regulatory bodies to work together to ensure that only genuine, safe, and effective medications reach the Nigerian public.
Mr. Bitrus Fraden, Director of Post Market Surveillance at NAFDAC, representing the Director General, reiterated the significance of the sensitization workshop. He emphasized that providing stakeholders with the necessary information and training is crucial in the fight against counterfeit drugs. The workshop focused on empowering participants to utilize these new tools effectively, particularly the Scan2Verify device, which enables quick verification of product authenticity. This empowers consumers and healthcare providers to identify and report suspicious products, contributing to the removal of counterfeit medications from circulation.
Dr. Rajina Garba, Deputy Director of Post Market Surveillance, highlighted the practical aim of the workshop: to equip caregivers and other stakeholders with the skills and knowledge required to identify counterfeit drugs using tools like the Scan2Verify device. The expectation is that by widely disseminating this information, counterfeiters will be effectively challenged, ultimately leading to their expulsion from the market. The ultimate goal is to create a network of informed individuals capable of detecting and reporting counterfeit products thus curtailing the trade.
This proactive approach by NAFDAC underlines the urgency of the counterfeit drug problem in Nigeria. By investing in technology, training, and public awareness, the agency seeks to protect the health and well-being of its citizens. The sensitization workshop represents a significant step towards creating a more secure healthcare landscape, empowering consumers and professionals alike to make informed choices and contribute to the fight against this pervasive threat. The combined efforts of stakeholders, coupled with technological advancements, hold the promise of curbing the harmful impact of counterfeit medications and fostering a healthier future for all Nigerians.
