Flowerbud News

Blog

  • Contaminated cough syrups: NAFDAC Strengthens Surveillance at Ports to Prevent entry into Nigeria- DG

    Contaminated cough syrups: NAFDAC Strengthens Surveillance at Ports to Prevent entry into Nigeria- DG

     

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja:  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that measures have been put at various ports of entry into the country to prevent contaminated cough syrups.

    NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agency had on Sunday, issued an alert with No. 040/2022 about some contaminated cough syrups circulating in the Gambia.

    NAN also reports that the syrups were identified as Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup.

    The syrups were said to have been manufactured by an Indian company, Maiden Pharmaceuticals, and had failed to provide guarantees about the safety of the cough syrups.

    Meanwhile, the NAFDAC boss said that the agency had put appropriate measures at the various ports of entry to curtail the entry of these syrups into Nigeria.

    She said that NAFDAC had activated its internal surveillance mechanisms to mop up these products from the supply chain pipeline if they were ever found.

    Adeyeye said that as a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) programme on International drug monitoring, NAFDAC would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that these products did not cause harm to Nigerians.

    She said that the cough syrups had killed 66 children in Gambia, and that interviews conducted on the bereaved parents in the Gambia by health authorities and law enforcement agencies revealed how their children were not able to pass urine after taking the syrups.

    “Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are restricted chemicals which are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.

    “These chemicals are closely related in chemical structure to propylene glycol which is the right vehicle for use in the manufacture of paediatric syrups.

    “Poor quality control might have led to non- detection of these dangerous products and hence the fatality we have on our hands in Gambia,” she dressed.

    The NAFDAC boss however said that the four cough syrups in questions were not registered by the agency and called on Nigerians to be cautious.

    She also implored importers, distributors, retailers and consumers to exercise vigilance within the supply chain to avoid importation, distribution, sales and use of the substandard cough syrups.

    According to her, all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers, adding that the product authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

  • NAFDAC D-G disassociates self from recruitment advert on social media

    NAFDAC D-G disassociates self from recruitment advert on social media

     

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja:   The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has denied recruitment advert circulating in her name by some impostors on social media.

    Adeyeye, at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja stated that her attention had been drawn to the activities of some impostors and fraudulent individuals impersonating her via her social media accounts, Facebook and Linkedln.

    She said that the impostors, who were promising their victims employment in her name, were asking for money in exchange for the employment and other favours.

    “This is a security breach. NAFDAC and the Director-General will never request for gratification to carry out its mandate.

    “As a result of this, the social media account of the Director-General will no longer be in use until further notice. Members of the public are hereby advised to exercise due caution.

    “The public should report any such activity to EFCC on +2348093322644, DSS on +2349153391309 for Nigeria.

    “For international, you can call UK Interpol on +447971153192 or US Federal Bureau of Investigation on +1-800-225-5324,’’ Adeyeye said.

    The NAFDAC boss also said that the agency had not approved any medicine that could cure diabetes as against the circulating information that government had approved some.

    According to her, if there is anyone that has been approved, the agency will let Nigerians know about it, so long such medicine is backed by science.

    She added that if it is a natural product, NAFDAC has a regulating system that gives listing approval for such product.

    Adeyeye said that such product would have to pass through clinical trials before approval could be given.

    The D-G also said that the agency had gone a step further by doing internet vigilance, especially on monitoring bleaching creams which she said some were advertised on the internet.

    She said that some of the bleaching creams were substandard and could cause damage to the body organs.

    She called on Nigerians to be aware and desist from such.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

     

  • NAFDAC DG reiterates commitment to safeguard public health

    NAFDAC DG reiterates commitment to safeguard public health

    Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye

    By Joshua Oladipo

    Oshogbo: Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting public health through effective and efficient regulatory system.

    Adeyeye made this assertions on the sidelines of the inauguration of the agency’s newly constructed office complex on Saturday in Oshogbo.

    She said the agency would not relent in its in ensuring that regulated products were of consistent quality and available at all times to the satisfaction of consumers.

    According to her, NAFDAC is commited to ensuring that processed foods, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, chemicals and biological/vaccines are of thorough consistent quality for Nigerians.

    “To meet the mandate of the agency, the management under my supervision, has embarked on a journey of strengthening the processes of the agency through the establishment, implementation and continual improvement of the Quality Management System.

    “Quality Management System (QMS) in NAFDAC has transitioned over the years to a robust platform for institutionalising resourceful leadership, evidence-based decision-making and engagement of a trained and competent workforce for effective customer-focussed delivery of regulatory services,” she said.

    Adeyeye said the agency had commenced building of state offices across the country, out of which she said seven had been completed.

    “With the support of the Presidency, National Assembly and the NAFDAC Governing Council, we commenced the building of state offices across the country out of which seven had been completed.

    “We are now in the processes of commissioning the offices and Osogbo is the second in the role of the commissioning exercise to the Glory of God.

    “There is no doubt that this well-equipped office will enhance the activities and operations of the agency within the state, thereby contributing to the economic growth and well-being of our people,” she said.

    In his remarks, the Acting Chairman, NAFDAC Governing Board, Dr Mufatu Yahaya, assured stakeholders that the office would served its purpose by safeguarding public health in the state.

    Yahaya added that more offices would be inaugurated in the country.

    Also, the State Coordinator of the agency, Mr Anikoh Ibrahim, commended the NAFDAC Director-General for the great feat recorded under her leadership, which he described as rare.

    Ibrahim said that the befitting office complex was borne out of the commitment of NAFDAC management under the leadership of the director-general.

    He said the agency would continue to safeguard public health in the state through effective regulatory system.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event witnessed the presence of traditional rulers, state security heads, health associations, government officials, health personnel and other key stakeholders.(NAN )(www. nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

     

  • NAFDAC seizes unregistered N1m products in Kaduna

    NAFDAC seizes unregistered N1m products in Kaduna

     

    By Stella Kabruk

    Kaduna:  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has seized drugs worth a million naira in Kaduna.

    The State Coordinator of the agency, Nasiru Mato, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kaduna.

    He said the products were seized in Jaji, Kagoro, Kafanchan, Mararaba Jos and within the township.

    Mato said during the activities, several brands of unregistered aphrodisiacs, analgesics and cosmetics were seized and would be subjected to laboratory investigation for further necessary regulatory actions within the ambit of the law.

    “It is against this backdrop that NAFDAC recently goes on broad spectrum routine and surveillance visits to establishments in several parts of the state for strict compliance.”

    He said the visits were also to ensure that regulated products available to the consumer exhibited the desired quality, safety, and efficacy.

    He said the decision was to ensure the agency rid the state from circulation of substandard regulated products.

    “NAFDAC has deployed real – time digital cutting edge technology for use by consumers called Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) to establish on the spot whether drugs are genuine or fake, to ensure the safety of the consumer always.

    The Coordinator cautioned against illegal advertisements of regulated products in any form.

    He urged consumers to always check product labelling for product name, NAFDAC Registration Number, Production Date, Expiry Date, Batch Number, storage condition, direction for use, name and location address of the manufacturer.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)/Flowerbudnews

  • NAFDAC targets WHO Maturity Level Four Certification,  builds seven new state offices

    NAFDAC targets WHO Maturity Level Four Certification,  builds seven new state offices

    The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will not rest on its oars until it attains the World Health Organization (WHO) Maturity Level Four certification which will place pharmaceutical products manufactured in Nigeria in a better pedestal to compete favourably in the global market. (more…)

  • NAFDAC aims at WHO’s maturity level 4, says D-G

    NAFDAC aims at WHO’s maturity level 4, says D-G

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja:  The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), says it hopes to attain the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Maturity Level 4 Certification, in drug and food regulations.

    In a statement on Sunday, NAFDAC”s Media Consultant, Mr Olusayo Akintola, said the agency’s Director-General (D-G), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed the plan at the inauguration of NAFDAC’s Ilorin office.

    Adeyeye said that the certification would place pharmaceutical products manufactured in Nigeria on a higher pedestal to compete favourably in the global market.

    She recalled that at the first quarter of this year, precisely in March, the agency attained Maturity Level 3, adding that, the agency would not rest on its oars until it attained level 4.

    She said that attainment of level 3 in the WHO Global Benchmarking Tools, had placed NAFDAC among the recognised regulatory agencies in the world.

    “It is pertinent to state that these huge achievements will not have been possible without a committed and dedicated workforce, and a very supportive Governing Council.

    “The agency is not resting on its oars, but is working assiduously towards the attainment of Maturity Level 4, and the sustenance of its developmental strides,” the D-G was quoted in the statement as saying.

    She listed sound infrastructure, standard equipment, conducive working environment for personnel, and accessible office locations for all stakeholders, as key to achieving this target.

    Adeyeye said that at the time she assumed office, most of the agency’s offices were sited within the states’ federal secretariats or in rented apartments, noting that this was not good for the corporate image of the agency.
    According to her, the situation is also responsible for Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) businesses, and other stakeholders’ inability to get access to NAFDAC offices.
    “NAFDAC was created in 1993 to regulate and control the
    importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water, and chemicals.
    “To meet the mandate of the agency, the management under my supervision, has embarked on a journey of strengthening NAFDAC through the establishment, implementation, and continuous improvement of its Quality Management System.
    “Quality Management System (QMS) in NAFDAC, has transitioned over the years to a robust platform for institutionalising resourceful leadership, evidence-based decision-making, and engagement of a trained and competent workforce.
    “With the support of the Presidency, National Assembly, and the NAFDAC Governing Council, we commenced the building of state offices across the country, and seven have been completed.
    “We are now in the process of commissioning them beginning with the Kwara State Office, which we are witnessing today to the glory of God.”
    The NAFDAC boss also disclosed that the Osun State office of the agency had been commissioned, while Ogun, Ebonyi, Sokoto, Yobe and Kebbi, which had been completed, would soon be commissioned.
    She said that construction had also commenced in Kano, Edo and Delta states, and the projects were now at varying stages of completion.
    Adeyeye said that the Ilorin office of the agency now had a mini hall where it could conveniently relate with the sectoral groups, and also train personnel.
    She said that, there was also a warehouse and store where unwholesome regulated products could be kept pending further regulatory activities.
    “There is no doubt that the well-equipped office will enhance the activities and operations of the agency within the state, thereby contributing to the economic growth and well-being of the people,” she said.
    She expressed appreciation to Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, and the good people of the state for the support NAFDAC had so far received.

    ”We look forward to an enhanced co-operation and support, as NAFDAC will continue to do its best to safeguard the health of indigenes and residents of Kwara State,” Adeyeye said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews
    “

  • Our customers are number one priority – NAFDAC

     

    By Mujidat Oyewole

    Ilorin:  Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), says customers are the agency’s first priority and are always on its mind while making any decision.

    The director-general said this at inauguration of the new State Office in Ilorin on Friday.

    Adeyeye noted that there was need to take trade regulation to customers’ door step, as well as sensitisation, saying that all the work cannot be done from Abuja or Lagos.

    “In order to meet the mandate of the agency, we have embarked on a journey of strengthening the processes through establishment, implementation and continual improvement of the quality management system.

    “This is about thinking of customers first and the quality of management system had transitioned over years to a robust platform for institutionalising resourceful leadership,

    “Also evidence base decision making and engagement of a train and competent work force for effective customer focus delivery of regulatory activities,” she said.

    The director-general however said that out of seven state offices under construction, Kwara was the first to be completed and inaugurated, others would be Osun, Ogun, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Sokoto and Yobe.

    “The building was built to help achieve our mandate, apart from offices, there is a mini hall for staff training and sectorial groups interaction, enlightenment and sensitisation.

    “This will enhance the activities and operations of the agency with in the state, thereby contributing to economic growth and well being of the people in Kwara,” she said.

    Adeyeye thanked the state government and the good people of Kwara for their support and looked forward for more support.

    The Acting Chairman of NAFDAC, Dr Muftau Yahaya, said that the agency had attained maturity level three in the World Health Organisation global birth marking tools.

    Yahaya commended the director-general for her resource oriented and environmental strive, which he said had given NAFDAC a seat among the world recognised regulatory agencies.

    He explained that the level would help the pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Nigeria and other food industry trade their products worldwide.

    The acting chairman said that the agency had started working tirelessly to attain level four and sustain the developmental strides.

    Yahaya disclosed that the governing board had decided to decentralised the agency’s laboratory unit and would have two laboratories in each of the six geopolitical zone, including other planned intervention.

    “Nigeria will get to maturity level four and our manufacturers will enjoy global distribution of their products with ease,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that the NAFDAC Coordinator for South West Zone, Mrs Rose Ajayi, explained that she started the project during her tenure as the Kwara Coordinator.

    Ajayi noted that the director-general’s first visit to the state in 2018 helped towards achieving their goal in 2020 when they started construction, until her handing over in 2021.

    The new state office was inaugurated by the acting chairman and director-general of the agency in the presence of the State Coordinator, Mr Kenneth Azikwe, members of staff, other sister agencies and stakeholders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews

  • NAFDAC Boss, Prof Moji Adeyeye assures Nigerians of safety of children vaccines in the Country

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja: Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, (FAS), the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has assured Nigerians of the safety of children vaccines in the country.

    In a statement she personally signed, a copy of which was made available to Flowerbudnews, Prof. Adeyeye declared that no vaccine with 40 per cent mercury was being administered on children in Nigeria.

    The NAFDAC Boss also declared as untrue, some reported statement made that “children in Nigeria were being administered a vaccine that contains 40 percent mercury which was prescribed by foreign organisation.”

    ‘:This statement is not true,” Prof Adeyeye stated, explaining that ”Mercury is a metal, and it is not used as an element or as a component of vaccines
    The NAFDAC DG explained further:

    ”The basic components of vaccines are Antigens, adjuvants to improve immune response, antibiotics to prevent contamination during manufacturing, preservatives, and stabilizers.

    Thimerosal a mercuric compound which is a preservative used in multi dose vaccines contains a different form of mercury called ethyl mercury.

    ” As a vaccine preservative, thimerosal is used in concentrations of 0.003% to 0.01%, (for example, thimerosal content allowed in vaccine is between 30 parts to maximum of 10o parts out of million parts of the vaccine formula).

    ”Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative that has been used for decades in the United States in multi-dose vials (vials containing more than one dose) of medicines and vaccines.

    ”There is no evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site.

    ”However, in July 1999, the Public Health Service agencies, the American Academy of Paediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers agreed that thimerosal should be reduced or eliminated in vaccines as a precautionary measure.

    ”Nigeria still receives some multi dose vaccines which contains thimerosal but at accepted concentration.

    ”However, World health Organisation has not proscribed the use of thimerosal as an inactivating agent and preservative in vaccines as there is lack of evidence that thimerosal present risk to human health.

    ”The WHO has closely monitored the scientific evidence relating to the use thimerosal as a vaccine preservative for over 10 years especially through independent expert advisory group, the Global Advisory Committee on vaccines.

    ”The committee has constantly reached the same conclusion.

    ”There is no evidence to suggest that the amount of thimerosal used in vaccines poses a health risk
    .
    ”Other expert groups the U.S. Institute of Medicine, the American Academy of Paediatrics, the United Kingdom Committee on Safety of Medicines, and the European Agency for Evaluation of Medicinal Products have reached similar conclusions

    nafdacc

    ”NAFDAC follows WHO approved protocol before issuing out lot release certificates before any human vaccines can be used in Nigeria, which is done after laboratory analysis and summary lot protocol review.

    NAFDACSafeguarding the Health of the Nation (Flowerbudnews)

  • NAFDAC trains 564 health workers on med safety tool for E-reporting

    By Stella Kabruk

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said that it had trained 564 health workers on med safety tool for E- reporting of Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI).

    The state Coordinator, Nasiru Mato, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kaduna.

    He said that as vaccine-preventable infectious diseases continue to decline, people had become increasingly concerned about the risks associated with vaccines.

    He said that the trained health officials were drawn from both primary and secondary health facilities.

    Mato described AEFI as an untoward medical occurrence which follows immunisation but does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the usage of the vaccine.

    He said that vaccine-associated adverse events might affect healthy individuals and should be promptly identified to allow additional research and appropriate action.

    He said that  the World Health Organisation (WHO) had established a Global Advisory Committee on vaccine safety in order to respond promptly, efficiently, and with scientific rigour to vaccine safety issues.

    The coordinator said that NAFDAC plays a vital role in ensuring that all medicines available to the consumer are safe, qualitative and efficacious adding that the safety of medicines is critical in any healthcare system

    “Continuous monitoring has been identified as a centre point and critical toward the attainment of this goal.

    “Core stakeholders and healthcare providers at all levels have an important role to play in this regard, hence, the need to remain abreast with the skill on the use of the globally accepted electronic-based *MED SAFETY* tool for reporting of adverse event following immunisation.

    “It is in view of this that NAFDAC in conjunction with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), and the Kaduna State Primary Care Board (KSPHCDB) conducted refresher hands-on practical training sessions for some of their personnel.

    Mato said that the training was for Disease Surveillance Notification Officers (DSNOs), Monitoring Evaluation Officers (MEOs), Local Government Cold Chain Officers (LCCOs) and Local Government Immunisation Officers (LIOs) in the 23 local government areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State.

    NAN