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  • NAFDAC warns against using Covifor Remidesivir Injection

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, Sept. 4, 2020 (NAN) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned the general public not to use ‘Covifor Remidesivir 100 mg Injection for treatment of any illness.

    The warning was contained in a statement signed by the agency’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

    She said that the label on the vaccine indicates that it was “Not for distribution in US, Canada or EU”, thus creating suspicion about its efficacy and could also have negative effect on the body system.

    “The product is suspicious, and it could possibly be a falsified product, the general public is hereby warned to desist from the use of such product,” Adeyeye stressed. (NAN)

  • NAFDAC warn against falsified Proximexa Suspension 125mg/5ml

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, Sept. 17, 2020 (NAN) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned against buying and using of falsified Proximexa Suspension 125mg/5ml, with Lot No. C830116 currently in circulation in Nigeria.

    The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye made this known in statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

    According to Adeyeye, the agency has been informed by Allen and Hanburys (A & H) Pharmaceutical Nigeria Ltd. on the circulation of the drug presently in the country in retail outlets.

    She said that the falsified proximexa suspension 125mg/5ml Lot No. C830116 was labeled with fictitious manufactured date with Sept. 2019 and to expire in Sept. 2022.

    Adeyeye said that the drug, which was manufactured by Glaxo Operations UK Ltd., was packaged to be genuine, therefore, urged Nigerians to desist from the brand.

    According to her, the genuine proximexa suspension 125mg/5ml (Cefuroxime Axetil 125mg/5ml) with Batch No. C830116, manufactured by Glaxo Operations UK Ltd., has its manufacturing date as Sept. 2017, which expired on Sept. 2019.

    She said that the genuine proximexa suspension 125mg/5ml manufactured by Glaxo Operations UK Ltd. was registered by NAFDAC with NAFDAC Registration No. A4-6143.

    Adeyeye said that the genuine proximexa suspension 125mg/5ml “is an antibiotic drug used in treating a wide variety of material infections including bronchitis, urinary tract infections and pneumonia.’’

    She said that Glaxo Operations UK Ltd. had also confirmed that it did not manufacture the falsified proximexa suspension 125mg/5ml.

    She, therefore, implored importers, wholesalers and retailers to desist from illegal importation, distribution and sale of the falsified product.

    According to her, surveillance has been strengthened by NAFDAC at all port of entry to prevent illegal importation of the falsified proximexa suspension 125mg/5ml.

    Adeyeye said that the agency had also heightened surveillance in the 36 states and FCT to prevent distribution and sale of the said drug. (NAN)
    AG/DOE/GY

  • NAFDAC cautions public on abuse of alcohol in sachet

    NAFDAC cautions public on abuse of alcohol in sachet

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised the public to exercise caution in the consumption of alcoholic beverages that could have deteriorating effects on their health.

    Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the agency, who gave the advice in a statement on Friday, further urged the public to avoid unregistered alcoholic products.

    Adeyeye described alcohol as a toxic and psychoactive substance with dependence producing properties, uncontrolled access and availability of high concentration alcohol in sachet and small volume Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) or glass bottles.

    She said that alcohol in sachet and small volume PET or glass bottles, had been put forward as a factor contributing to substance and alcohol abuse in Nigeria with its negative impact on the society.

    “NAFDAC wishes to bring to the attention of the general public, concerns relating to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small volume glass and Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles.

    “These concerns relate to negative effects of irresponsible alcohol consumption on public health and on the safety and security of the public.

    “The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that alcohol consumption contributes to three million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people.

    “The Federal Ministry of Health is concerned about the high incidence of substance and alcohol abuse in the country, and NAFDAC, being the competent authority, is increasing efforts to stem this,” Adeyeye said.

    The NAFDAC director-general said the agency had continued to exercise its regulatory responsibilities by ensuring that all alcoholic beverages and other regulated products approved by the agency meet the set standards of quality, safety and wholesomeness.

    She said that the agency in 2019, engaged and sensitise major stakeholders at the highest level and several interventions jointly agreed upon were being undertaken.

    “It was agreed that no new products in sachet and small volume PET or glass bottles above 30 per cent ABV will be registered by NAFDAC.

    “Furthermore, to reduce availability and curb abuse, effective Jan. 31, 2020, producers of alcohol in sachets and small volume PET and glass bottles are to reduce production by 50 per cent of capacity.

    “The overall goal is a complete phase out of high concentration alcohol in sachet and small PET and glass bottles in line with the agreed roadmap,” she said.

    The director-general said that the agency was in the process of monitoring and enforcing all agreements jointly reached among the Federal Ministry of Health-NAFDAC, alcohol producers and other stakeholders.

    According to her, NAFDAC is committed to preventing easy access to alcohol by young people and other vulnerable and high-risk groups.

    NAN

  • NAFDAC Intensifies Enforcement, Seizes Fake Hand Sanitisers in Bàuchi

    By Amina Ahmed

    The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified enforcement operations in Bauchi seizing cartons of fake hand sanitisers to protect public health.

    NAFDAC  State Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Muazu, who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Bauchi, said the confiscated fake products were worth about N350,000.

    Muazu said the fake hand sanitisers were seized from several super markets and drug retail outlets in the state.

    He said the the items were confiscated following a raid on shops carried out three days ago.

    He said the exercise was sequel to a directive from the Enforcement Directorate of the Agency.

    Muazu said that of the 13 brands of the fake sanitizers,11 were manufactured in Kano state while two were produced in Bauchi state.

    He said that the Agency had commenced investigation to trace the manufacturers, adding that monitoring exercise would continue.

    He noted that any culprit apprehended would face the full wrath of the law.

    The Coordinator urged the public to be mindful of NAFDAC and Batch Numbers, Manufacturing and Expiry dates of food,drugs and medical consumable.

    “The general public should understand that quality of hand sanitisers not registered by NAFDAC cannot be guranteed, and the aim will not be achieved, he said.

  • NAFDAC to prosecute health workers promoting breastmilk substitutes

    By Philip Yatai
    Kaduna, Sept. 24, 2020 (NAN) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it will prosecute any health worker caught promoting Breast Milk Substitute (BMS) and other infant formula in health centres.

    Mr Nantim Mullah, Deputy Director, NAFDAC, Kaduna Zonal Office, gave the warning in Kaduna on Thursday, at a one-day sensitisation meeting on the International Code of BMS and National Regulations on infant formula.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sensitisation was organised by SCI in partnership with the Kaduna State Ministry of Health and NAFDAC, for health workers from Kaduna South Senatorial Zone.

    Mullah explained that the International Code for Marketing of BMS, World Health Assembly Resolutions and National Regulations frowns at advertisement of BMS in health facilities.

    “The Code and the IYCF marketing regulations directed manufacturers and markers of BMS not to provide free products or samples of BMS to families, through health workers or health facilities.

    “They also warned against donation, acceptance or distribution of equipment or services to health facilities, gifts or incentives to health care staff as well as use of health facilities to host events, contests, or marketing.

    “The MBS Code equally warned against creating awareness directly or indirectly to parents and caregivers, on infant formula in health facilities by BMS manufacturing companies,” he said.

    He explained that the Code and the National Regulations were designed to end inappropriate promotion of BMS and other infants’ formula.

    He, however, said that in spite of the provisions, health facilities in Kaduna state had continued to allow promoters of BMS products to sell in the their premises.

    According to him, any health worker that contravenes any provision of the Code and Regulations will be charged under the relevant regulations of NAFDAC pertaining to food and food products.

    “This is because inappropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices contribute to the high child morbidity and mortality being recorded in the country.

    The BMS Code must, thus, be implemented in its entirety to protect, promote and support optimal IYCF for child survival, health, growth and development.

    “The Code will be fully enforced with appropriate sanctions for violators as ignorance of the law is not an excuse for its violation.”

    Mr Isah Ibrahim, SCI Nutrition Advocacy Advisor, said that similar sensitisation was held for health workers in Kaduna North and Kaduna Central Senatorial Zones to create the needed awareness against promoting BMS.

    Ibrahim urged the health workers to promote optimal exclusive breastfeeding which provides infants with all the nutrients required for healthy growth and development. (NAN)

  • NAFDAC to phase out production of alcohol in sachets 2023/2024

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it will totally ban production of alcohol drink in sachets by 2023/2024.

    Its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that banning of the product would come in phases.

    Adeyeye said that alcohol drink in sachet would be phased out by 2023 ending or first week of 2024, when it would no longer exist in the society.

    NAN reports that Adeyeye, had earlier expressed worry over the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small volume glass and Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles.

    She also decried the negative effects of irresponsible alcohol consumption on public health and on the safety and the security of the public.

    Adeyeye said with the support of the Federal Ministry of Health, the concern also relates to the fact that alcohol “is also a toxic and psychoactive substance with dependence producing properties.

    According to her, uncontrolled access and availability of high concentration alcohol in sachet and small volume PET or glass bottles have been put forward as a factor contributing to substance and alcohol abuse in Nigeria with its negative impact on the society.

    She said the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that alcohol consumption contributes to three million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people.

    Adeyeye said that stakeholders had already met on this to outline the negative impact of the product on the society, particularly on youths.

    “NAFDAC and the Federal Ministry of Heath met on this issue with the distillers association, a couple of days ago.

    “We let them know that they can think of business because there is nothing wrong about that.

    “NAFDAC and Federal Ministry of Heath also have to think about the society, we had series of meetings at the ministry.

    “We all agreed that we are going to carry out the ban in phases,” she said.

    The director-general also said that, pending the time lapse, the distillers association were told to reduce the level of alcohol drink in sachets, and that they have agreed to do that.

    Adeyeye said the distillers association had also been tasked to run a social responsibility campaign against underage drinking, adding that a jingle would soon be on air in this regards.

    She, however, called on Nigerians to always do things that would depict the moral values enshrined in the nation’s system. (NAN)

  • NAFDAC vows to prosecute impersonators, says agency no longer uses consultants

    By Aderogba George
    Abuja: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it no longer uses consultants in dealing with the public, vowing to prosecute impersonators.
    The agency also urged its prospective customers and Nigerians to be cautious of those who may want to act as the agency’s  consultants, warning impostors to desist from such acts or face the wrath of the law.
    Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the NAFDAC Director General, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Tuesday that information about people who posed as the agency’s consultants had reached her.
    Adeyeye said that if at all the agency had  done that in the past years, it no longer
    engaged the services of consultants to carry out its functions.
    She explained that “there are still people posing as consultants for NAFDAC. Before I joined the agency, maybe few weeks before my resumption in late 2017, there were complaints by customers on consultants and I  put them as citizens reports.
    “What stood out among the complaints was the issue of consultants in NAFDAC, I didn’t understand what that meant much until I got down to business, and upon enquiry, they told me that NAFDAC consultants created problems of moving business ahead.
    “They told me there had been a lot of compromise for people seeking help to process their applications, and in early 2018, I cancelled the issue of consultancy.
    “However, there are people still posing as NAFDAC consultants as I speak now,  but they are not  agency staff.
    “I was told that they register a Sim card and attach the name to NAFDAC consultants, they are impersonating our staff and charge people exorbitant fees for registration, our fee for registration is quite low.”
    She, therefore, advised Nigerians not to use consultants for any of their dealings with NAFDAC, adding that most of the agency’s information were online.
    Adeyeye said that the agency was ready to go after those impostors, provided there were concrete evidence to pursue the matter and pleaded with Nigerians to always keep documentary records in this regard.
    The director general said that the agency would not hesitate to punish any of its staff involved in illegal acts. (NAN)

  • NAFDAC launches pharmaceutical traceability strategy to curb drug falsification

    By Aderogba George
    Abuja: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has launched a pharmaceutical traceability strategy document to fight the menace of Substandard and Falsified (SF) medical products.
    The information is in a statement signed by the agency’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued to newsmen in Abuja.
    She stated that the launch of the document was to prevent the loss and diversion, as well as improve NAFDAC’s regulatory control of medicine supply chain in the country.
    She noted that “the mission of NAFDAF is a daunting task in the face of the chaotic drug distribution system currently existing in Nigeria. The pharmaceutical traceability strategy document presents NAFDAC’s priority objectives that will guide the development of a comprehensive operational plan.
    “It will also contribute to strengthening the existing regulatory and legal framework required to publish and enforce a traceability regulation and related guideline.
    “The launch of this strategy document is the first step in positioning Nigeria as leader in driving traceability of pharmaceutical products in Africa.”
    Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to the implementation of the tracking mechanism as part of the regulatory device to strengthening and underscoring its mandate.
    She said that the agency had developed a five-year traceability plan toward achieving supply chain visibility, noting that this would strengthen its pharmacovigilance and post marketing activities.
    She added that the five-year plan was aimed at checking the scourge of Substandard and Falsified medicines and medical devices by the end of the year 2024.
    The NAFDAC boss said that the agency also established a traceability office (traceability desk) and a technical working group to drive the activities in the five years.
    According to her, the objectives are to increase patient safety through mitigating the risk of entry of Substandard and Falsified medicines into the legitimate supply chain,
    prevent loss due to diversion of medical products, thus preserving resources for needed medical intervention.
    Others are to provide data-driven visibility of health commodities in national supply chains and stronger interoperability with global supply chain; improve reliable access to essential health commodities through supply chain efficiencies and stock availability.
    It will also promote trust in the public and private pharmaceutical sectors and healthcare systems through supply chain security.
    She said that the agency was aware of the spike in falsified medicines many countries face as a result of COVID-19-related supply chain distruptions, adding that there was need to act fast as the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine may likely be in short supply.
    She noted that the emergence of falsified versions of the COVID-19 vaccine would do irreparable harm to the already challenging task of vaccine literacy and acceptance.
    “COVID-19 commodities and essential medicines for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, traceability technology will be used to create “learn traceability”.
    This according to her, it is a solution that will help regulatory agencies, donors and institutions to work together.
    She added that it would help to prevent diversion from the distribution chain. (NAN)

  • NAFDAC E-Registration Simplifies Process, Enhance integrity- DG

    • By Aderogba George

    Abuja: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) introduction of e-registration has simplified and enhanced integrity of the Agency’s product registration process.

    NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    She also said the agency would embrace digitisation in carrying out its activities in order to reduce frequent human interaction.

    Adeyeye noted that the reforms in the agency also involved the training of staff to meet the demands of various customers.

    Part of the reforms, she added, is aimed at  creating a disciplined workforce geared toward service delivery.

    “Our staff do so much work on daily basis.

    “We go through danger, including threat of kidnapping, and with all these, we have to have a disciplined workforce.

    “Our reform unit work round the clock, our staff have been trained, we are trying to look at the act regulating the agency and make sure we increase fines for those who violated our law.

    “National task force against counterfeit and unregulated products is resident in NAFDAC; there are also standby policemen who follow us during investigation.

    “We are mopping up the mess created in NAFDAC between 2011 and 2018,” Adeyeye added.

    She further said that the agency had decentralised power to zonal offices to allow for direct interaction with customers and promote the ease of doing business initiative.

    Adeyeye stated that the agency is determined to promote Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    She said that the agency had decentralised the food and simple cosmetics to the zones to allow for direct interaction with customers. (NAN)
    (Edited by Mufutau Ojo)