Quartz Africa: African health care systems are in an arms race with a rising fake medicine problem
“…[A recent] string of incidents of counterfeit medicines circulating in African countries [show] where an unfortunate confluence of struggling economies, weak regulation, and a preponderance of poorly educated consumers makes some of these countries extremely vulnerable to unscrupulous middle men looking to make a quick buck without regard for human life. In recent years it has become easier for fake drugs to be smuggled in from India and China because many legitimate drugs come from these same country sources. African countries are also vulnerable because the legitimate pharmaceutical market on the continent is growing rapidly in line with population expansion, creating both challenges and opportunities. … The scope and scale of substandard and counterfeit medical products, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, is huge, and its impact wide-ranging, say experts…” (Atabong, 4/23).