NAFDAC warns of ‘possible infiltration of fake COVID-19 vaccines’

The National Agency for Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians to be wary of possible infiltration of fake COVID-19 vaccines as the country continues its battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Director-General

of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who made the call in Kano at the North-West zonal destruction of fake, counterfeit, substandard, expired and unwholesome regulated products worth N613.3million, said the public must be on the lookout for counterfeit vaccines and other regulated products.

She said NAFDAC on its part will ensure continuous surveillance on these products and shall continue to enforce the regulations governing these products in Nigeria.

The DG, who was represented by Barrister Kingsley Ejiofor, Director Investigation and Enforcement of the agency, said “drug counterfeiting is an act of economic sabotage and also represents a serious threat to public health.

“NAFDAC will ensure that the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of medicines and foods are effectively controlled to ensure that the prescribed standards of identity, safety, quality and efficacy are met.”

Daily Trust reports that the products destroyed during the operation include drugs such as antibiotics, antihypertensive, antimalarial, herbal remedies, psychoactive and controlled substances as well as foods such as spaghetti, vegetable oil and non-alcoholic drinks. Others include cosmetics and chemicals.