Fake Anti-Malaria Medicine Spreads Malaria

Bright Ekweremadu, the Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH) blames “rampant adulteration” of anti-malaria drugs for malaria rates in Nigeria.

Bright Ekweremadu, the Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH) blames “rampant adulteration” of anti-malaria drugs for malaria rates in Nigeria.

Speaking on World Malaria Day, Ekweremadu said that Nigerian government goals to reduce malaria by 50% were hindered by fake medications, and improper use of prophylactic nets treated with insecticide.

35.6 million nets have been distributed in Nigeria, however they are underutilized, reports the Lagos Daily Independent.

Ekweremadu emphasized the safety of preventative measures, like proper mosquito net usage, and noted that artemisinin-combination therapies (ACT) are being distributed freely and sold at reasonable prices in some areas, while in other areas of the country the medication is being sold for ten times more.

By S. Imber