CACPP Seeks Partnership in Fight against Counterfeit Pharmaceutical Products
An umbrella body in conjunction with Nigerian Representatives of Overseas Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (NiroPharm) and Pfizer, The Coalition Against Counterfeit Pharmaceutical Products (CACPP), is seeking partnership between relevant stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry in the fight against counterfeit pharmaceutical products in Nigeria.
In this regard, CACPP had in Lagos held its inaugural forum of the Coalition to discuss the way forward in the fight against Counterfeit Pharmaceutical Products.
The Convener, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya while speaking on what informed his decision to form the coalition, said “It is borne out of the desire to take a firmer stand against counterfeit pharmaceutical products in Nigeria through engagement and advocacy, with hope to kick off an intense national advocacy campaign against counterfeit pharmaceutical products.”
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Speaking, the West Africa Country Manager, Pfizer, Olayinka Subair said: “Counterfeit medicines don’t cure any disease, rather they put patients’ health at risk because of their contents, it ultimately impedes the Nigerian Healthcare System. Lives are lost and medical conditions are worsened due to this cankerworm. It is not an individual’s battle; it requires collective effort.”
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He emphasised that “Nigerians need to champion the anti-counterfeit cause, especially as regards healthcare. We need to join hands together because there is no shortcut to health. Due process must be followed to get the best results. Unlike commodities, fake drugs are life-threatening. This means patients should only buy prescribed medicines from accredited pharmacies and not quacks or roadside vendors.”
Speaking, NIROPHARM President, Femi Soremekun, noted that in recent years, the fight against counterfeit pharmaceutical products has taken new dimensions due to the global influx of counterfeiting syndicates. “It is like a race against time for pharmaceutical companies – the cost to our collective health and economies is enormous.”
“Over the years, pharmaceutical companies are perplexed as to how best to nip the challenges in the bud. The challenges are overwhelming owing to the sophistication of the activities of counterfeiters.
Combating counterfeit pharmaceutical products is a herculean task, one that requires strong collaborations between government agencies and key stakeholders because of the impact.”
