Tuesday June 24, 2025
By Idorenyin UMOREN
As part of measures to combat the menace of Counterfeit drugs, the Akwa Ibom Government has Inaugurated two joint task force teams have been inaugurated with the mandate to “combat fake and counterfeit drugs and monitor private health facilities and quacks operating in the health sector.”
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, inaugurated the committees in Uyo, with the mandate to tackle
counterfeit and fake drugs as well as unwholesome processed food products.
The commissioner recalled that the reintroduction of the initiative after 13 years, was a bold step towards safeguarding lives.
“For too long, our people have faced preventable deaths and suffering due to counterfeit drugs, unwholesome food products, and unethical practices by unqualified practitioners. These dangers erode trust and threaten lives.
“The state government, through the Ministry of Health, is resolute in stamping out these menaces and holding health professionals accountable,” he stressed.
Some of the benefits of the initiative as listed by the commissioner include eliminating fake drugs and quackery, as well as restoration of citizen’s confidence in the state’s health system.
The commissioner stressed that the measure will also encourage strict adherence to ethical standards in private and public facilities and reduction of preventable deaths through proactive regulation.
Meanwhile, Civil society organizations, CSOs, in Akwa Ibom have pledged their support and commitment to this initiative through engagement in grassroots awareness programs, educating communities about the dangers of counterfeit drugs and substandard food products. They also promised to work hand-in-hand with the government to report offenders, support affected victims, and promote ethical practices among local food processors and drug vendors.
Barr Clifford Thomas, who is the Convener of Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community and a member of the 20-man Taskforce made this assertive commitment during the Inaugural meeting on Monday June 22, 2025.
In a related development, the Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community, has pledged to collaboration with government in the fight against Fake and Counterfeit drugs in the State.
This was contained in a statement titled: ‘Tackling Counterfeit Drugs Through The People’, dated June 23, 2025 and jointly signed by it’s Convener, Barr Clifford Thomas, and PRO, Dr Victor David.
The statement reads in part: “CSOs will further amplify the government’s message through townhall meetings, media outreach, and the training of community health volunteers to serve as watchdogs and whistles blowers in rural and urban communities.
“CSOs will further amplify the government’s message through townhall meetings, media outreach, and the training of community health volunteers to serve as watchdogs and whistles blowers in rural and urban communities.
“While Government and civil Society organizations and other critical stakeholders efforts are commendable, lasting success depends on public participation. Citizens must remain vigilant, report suspicious products, and patronize only licensed pharmacies and verified food vendors. Strengthening local production standards, improving border and market surveillance, and enforcing stricter penalties for offenders are necessary steps going forward.”
