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WHO warns of fake medicine dangers

    JOHANNESBURG

    Up to 25 percent of medicines consumed in developing countries - often to treat life-threatening conditions such as HIV/AIDS - are believed to be counterfeit or substandard, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.

    WHO is currently coordinating a regional crackdown on substandard and counterfeit medicines in Hanoi, Viet Nam, after a similar initiative in Africa.

    During the launch of the southeast Asia campaign, WHO warned that fake drugs were on the rise world wide, and posed a growing threat to international health.

    The Director-General of WHO, Dr LEE Jong-wook, said in a statement: "Combating low-quality or illegal medicines is now more important than ever. Expanding access to safe, effective treatment for HIV/AIDS and other illnesses is no longer an option, it is an imperative."

    A survey conducted by WHO between January 1999 and October 2000 found that 60 percent of fake medicines were found in developing countries, while 40 percent occurred in industrialised nations.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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