April 14, (THEWILL)- In a recent alarming development, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued a public health alert concerning the recall of a specific lot of Benylin Pediatric Syrup, manufactured by the renowned pharmaceutical company, Johnson & Johnson. The catalyst for this recall was the startling discovery of an unacceptably high level of diethylene glycol, a toxic contaminant capable of inducing acute oral toxicity. This recall serves as a grim reminder of the ever-present dangers lurking in the consumer space and the arduous task faced by the agency.
The ripple effect of NAFDAC’s alert extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, prompting Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) to issue a similar alert and recall for the same batch of Benylin Pediatric Syrup. The PPB urged customers to meticulously scrutinise the batch number and expiry date on their bottles, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the imperative need for vigilance.
The issue of counterfeit products has been brought into sharp focus recently, with viral videos circulating online, exposing a series of counterfeit consumer products available in the Nigerian market. These unsettling visuals have underscored the pervasiveness of the counterfeiting culture that has taken root in the country, posing grave risks to the health and safety of citizens.
Looking back, one cannot overlook the remarkable strides made by NAFDAC under the leadership of the indomitable Dr Dora Akunyili (now deceased). Her tenure as Director-General of the agency was marked by a relentless crusade against drugs and counterfeiters, yielding multiple triumphs backed by compelling statistics. Through her unwavering commitment, NAFDAC recorded an astonishing 80 per cent reduction in the circulation of counterfeit drugs, a feat that not only safeguarded public health but also restored faith in the integrity of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.
Akunyili’s success was not without its challenges, as she courageously confronted the formidable counterfeiting culture that had permeated Nigeria. Her initiatives encompassed widespread awareness campaigns, revamped regulatory processes, and numerous enforcement actions, often carried out at great personal risk. Her resolute stance and refusal to compromise earned her both admiration and enmity, as she relentlessly pursued those who sought to profit from the illicit trade of counterfeit goods.
Regrettably, the current status quo paints a sobering picture, a marked departure from the hard-won gains of the Akunyili era. The prevalence of harmful drugs and the pervasive culture of counterfeiting continue to plague Nigeria, posing grave risks to the health and well-being of its citizens. Studies have shown that drug abuse in Nigeria has a prevalence rate of 14.4 per cent among the general public across all ages, with the South-West zone recording the highest prevalence of 22.4 per cent in 2017.
The reasons for this disheartening regression are multifaceted, but one glaring factor stands out – the absence of consequences for those who engage in these nefarious activities. The lack of a comprehensive anti-counterfeiting law, coupled with the perceived abdication of responsibility by the judicial system, has created an environment where justice can be influenced by financial power. This erosion of accountability has emboldened counterfeiters, who operate with a sense of impunity, undermining the effectiveness of anti-counterfeiting measures and jeopardising the safety of consumers.
However, a glimmer of hope shines through the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to institute judicial reforms. These reforms aim to fortify the administration and control of justice, ensuring that it is not swayed by external influences or the weight of financial might. By restoring public trust in the judicial system and establishing a formidable deterrent against counterfeiters, these reforms could prove instrumental in turning the tide against the scourge of harmful substances.
The war against counterfeit drugs and the proliferation of harmful substances requires a multi-pronged approach, one that extends beyond the confines of a single agency or government institution. Fostering international partnerships and collaborating with global agencies is paramount. By sharing best practices, strategies, and intelligence, a united front can be formed against the transnational networks that facilitate the illicit trade of counterfeit goods. Furthermore, investing in advanced technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence can revolutionise drug verification, authentication and traceability, making it increasingly difficult for counterfeiters to evade detection.
Bolstering NAFDAC’s capacity through increased funding, resources and training is crucial. Empowered with the necessary tools and expertise, the agency can enhance its inspections, monitoring and enforcement efforts, effectively disrupting the supply chain of counterfeit drugs and consumer products and safeguarding public health.
I also think that public education campaigns must be prioritised to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit drugs and the importance of verifying product authenticity. By engaging local communities and enlisting their support in monitoring and reporting suspicious activities, the reach of regulatory efforts can be extended, casting a wider net against the purveyors of harmful substances.
Moreover, the enactment of comprehensive anti-counterfeiting legislation, coupled with stringent penalties, is imperative. A strong legal framework that addresses the complexities of the issue and imposes severe consequences for violators can serve as a powerful deterrent, dissuading individuals from engaging in these illicit activities.
Lastly, promoting transparency and accountability within regulatory agencies and the judicial system is paramount in combating corruption and collusion. By fostering an environment of integrity and impartiality, the public’s trust in these institutions can be restored, and the insidious influence of financial power can be neutralised.
Nigeria’s battle against counterfeit drugs and harmful substances is a relentless one, demanding unwavering commitment and a multi-faceted approach from all stakeholders. By addressing the root causes, strengthening regulatory frameworks, leveraging technology, fostering international cooperation, and restoring public trust, our country can reclaim her position, as it did during Akunyuli’s tenure, as a beacon of hope in safeguarding public health and upholding the integrity of its pharmaceutical and consumer product industries.
