Akunyili Seeks Support for Global Anti-counterfeiting
By Ben Nwabuwe
Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) Dr. Dora Akunyili, has advised the Interna-tional Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to join the advocacy for a global anti-counterfeiting body for the control of pharmaceuticals, to ensure acceptable standards.
Akunyili stated this in London, while delivering an acceptance speech at the annual award for combating economic crime organised by ICC.
She explained that economic crimes, especially counterfeiting of life-sensitive products is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. "Drug counterfeiting is the greatest evil of our time and the highest weapon of terrorism again public health, as well as an act of economic sabotage' It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good," she said.
Akunyili added that the evil of fake drugs is worse than the combined effect of Malaria and HIV/AIDS because whereas HIV/AIDS can be avoided and malaria can be prevented, fake drugs kill en masse, and anyone can be a victim.
She said that criminals in many parts of the world have discovered that the counterfeiting machines are financially lucrative and of relatively low risk. "They have found in Africa, a ready and lucrative market due to ineffective regulation in many countries".
Akunyili explained that discriminatory regulation of pharmaceuticals by exporting countries has resulted in the production of standard products for their local consumption and products of questionable quality for export.
"We have used every opportunity to impress on the international community that products labeled 'for export only' are unacceptable in Nigeria".
"This fight is not without its threats. The first line of action by drug counterfeiters is to bribe and compromise regulators. When they failed, they resorted to treats, intimidation and attacks. In the last three years, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drug Regulatory Authority in Nigeria, NAFDAC, I have witnessed unprecedented attacks on my person and on the Agency's properties. Whatever the threat, I will not give up my dreams of a well regulated food and drug industry, free of counterfeit drugs and other substandard regulated products. Giving into the fears and hatreds of the moment will do nothing to improve the lot of mankind. It is therefore a tough choice to make."
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