Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Remarks from the Health Commissioner
- Remarks from the Information Commissioner
- Orientation Agency's Concerns
- NAFDAC and SON Statements
The Abia State government, through the Abia State Orientation Agency, has initiated a sensitization campaign aimed at combating fake and substandard drugs within the state, highlighting this issue as a significant contributor to organ failure among residents.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, who delivered a keynote address during the event, referred to the manufacturers and sellers of counterfeit drugs as silent killers.
He emphasized that the use of counterfeit medications undermines the intended benefits of drugs for both individuals and the economy.
The Commissioner pointed out the risks associated with counterfeit drugs, which include organ failure and various other health complications.
He also noted that Governor Alex Otti has been actively protecting the citizens of Abia from harmful drugs and fraudulent practitioners.
In addition, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, remarked that fake and substandard drugs pose a life-and-death issue, but assured that the state government is dedicated to combating their spread within the state.
Kanu stated that the fight against counterfeit and substandard drugs is now advancing from advocacy to enforcement.
Earlier, during her welcome address, the Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Ure Abazie, raised concerns that counterfeit products are being manufactured, packaged, and labeled to mislead consumers about their true nature.
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), represented by their state coordinators, Ejike Nnamani and Anthony Eneh, respectively, warned that human lives are at risk due to counterfeit medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Abia State government doing to combat fake drugs?
The Abia State government has launched a sensitization campaign through the Abia State Orientation Agency and is escalating efforts from advocacy to enforcement against the production and sale of fake and substandard drugs.
Why are fake drugs a concern?
Fake drugs can lead to serious health issues, including organ failure and other complications, posing a significant risk to public health.
Who is responsible for regulating drugs in Nigeria?
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) are the primary regulatory bodies responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of drugs in Nigeria.
