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NAFDAC vows to tackle counterfeit drug epidemic

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated its commitment to eradicating the sale of counterfeit drugs and unwholesome products in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Sayo Akintola, the Resident Media Consultant, the agency, led by Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has vowed to stand resolute against a campaign of calumny launched by those who seek to profit at the expense of the well-being of fellow citizens.

The recent exposure of a cartel involved in the production of fake wines and soft drinks in Aba, Abia State, underscores the gravity of the situation.

Prof. Adeyeye clarified that NAFDAC brought the activities of these nefarious individuals to the public’s attention to safeguard citizens during the Yuletide festivities, cautioning against consuming potentially harmful substances disguised as cheap wines and soft drinks.

The Director-General expressed dismay at the uncomplimentary commentaries in the media, highlighting the interception of counterfeiters in Eziukwu Market, Aba, as an example of NAFDAC’s commitment.

She emphasised that the agency would not be deterred by unfounded allegations, urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that officers from the Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) and Pharmacovigilance and Post Marketing Surveillance Directorates have been empowered to apprehend those involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs and substandard food items.

The agency’s commitment to eradicating the menace of counterfeit drugs and unwholesome products from the Nigerian market remains unwavering.

Despite numerous life-threatening encounters and attacks on NAFDAC officers, Prof. Adeyeye assured that the agency remains undeterred in its mission to safeguard the health of Nigerians.

She urged citizens to assist by providing useful information on the activities of counterfeiters, emphasising, “They live and operate in our midst. We should say something when we see something.”

Calling for the support of the 10th National Assembly, Prof. Adeyeye appealed for the expedited review of penalties against counterfeiting. She argued that stiff penalties, without an option of a fine, would discourage perpetrators from engaging in such illicit trades.

NAFDAC, having achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification and World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level 3, continues in its efforts to combat the scourge of substandard medicines.

Prof. Adeyeye pledged that the agency would persist with sensitization activities across the country in the New Year, ensuring Nigerians are aware of the threats posed by counterfeit products.

NAFDAC has warned Nigerians to be cautious of counterfeit products, particularly during the festive season. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, urged consumers to scrutinize branded drinks or drugs before consumption and advised the public to consider the “4 Ps” before purchasing drugs, food, drinks, or alcohol.

NAFDAC remained committed to minimizing the circulation of counterfeit products and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities or illegal production of adulterated products to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide.

Health

Outbreak: Zamfara Govt. confirms 4 deaths, 177 cases

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The Zamfara Commissioner for Health, Dr Aisha Anka has confirmed the outbreak of unknown illness in the state which recorded four deaths and 177 cases so far.

Anka confirmed this in a statement issued in Gusau on Friday by the Information Officer of the ministry, Malam Bello Ibrahim.

According to the commissioner, the disease is characterized by abdominal distension, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, enlarge liver, enlarge spleen, fever and general body weakness.

“The illness is found in Maradun, Shinkafi and Gusau local government areas in the state.

“Children are mostly affected and the cases are associated with water consumptions.

“So far, four deaths have been recorded, 177 cases were detected,” Anka said.

“The incident has been reported to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), partners and all other relevant stakeholders.

“The ministry of health is currently on the emergency response phase to identify the illnesses and causes.

“Various biological human and animal samples, soil samples, water samples, agricultural and foodstuff samples have been taken to Lagos and Abuja laboratories for analysis.

“The ministry will continue to update the general public and all relevant stakeholders and partners on any update about the outbreak,”she added. (

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Health

Assembly passes Kano Pre-Marital Health Screening Bill

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Kano State House of Assembly has passed a bill for a law to compel intending couples to undergo HIV, hepatitis and sickle cell anaemia screening before marriage.

The passage followed deliberations in the Committee of the Whole House during plenary session,
presided over by the Speaker, Ismail Falgore on Monday in Kano.

After deliberations, the lawmakers approved the 3rd reading of the bill, read by the Deputy Clerk, Alhaji Nasiru Magaji.

Shortly after passage of the bill, the Majority Leader of the house, Lawan Hussein (NNPP-Dala), stated that “any person
intending to marry shall first submit self for medical examinations.”

He said the bill was considered and passed after the 3rd reading, following various legislative processes.

The leader further said that the bill was passed because the state had been battling with different health issues, including
HIV because people go into marriages without medical screening.

He said that the bill, if signed into law, would save many lives and curb the spread of life-threatening diseases.

“The bill will safeguard the health of citizens by institutionalising pre-marital testing to check the spread of diseases
like hepatitis, HIV and sickle cell anaemia,” he added.

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Health

WHO to begin vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus May 27 in Kogi

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The World Health Organisation (WHO), says it plans to commence vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) on May 27 in Kogi.

The state’s Team Lead of WHO, Dr Muktar Toyosi, said this when he led his team on an advocacy visit to the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Wednesday in Lokoja.

Toyosi said that the vaccination was meant for girl child of between the age nine and 14.

He said the ongoing sensitisation was to keep the people informed, and educate them on the vaccination of their children to protect them against cervical cancer in future.

”Kogi falls within the second phase of the programme. We are soliciting for the cooperation of the media in educating the people of the state on the HPV vaccination.

“There need for girls child across the state to take the vaccination to safeguard their future.

“Although the vaccine was initially scarce and difficult to get, the good news now is that it has been made available by the government,” Toyosi said.

Also speaking, the State Technical Assistant for WHO, Dr Ahmed Attah, said that the HPV mostly affect women, adding that the vaccination remained a preventive measure against the disease.

Attah, a former state Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and a former Chief Medical Director (CMD), Kogi Specialist Hospital (KSSH) Lokoja, urged parents and guardians to avail their children of the vaccination to justify government’s investment.

In his response, the Kogi NUJ Chairman, Mr Seidu Ademu, described the health sector as very critical, stressing that the vaccination was a right step in the right direction.

Ademu promised a robust partnership with WHO to enable the team to achieve its set goals.
He stressed the need to inform, educate and sensitise the general public on the need to embrace the vaccine by ensuring that girls within the age range were vaccinated.

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