Global health organisations unite in campaign to combat fake medicines

In response to the threat of fake medicines on the health of patients and the general public, ten partners who represent healthcare professionals, disease-specific organisations, product development partnerships, foundations, international financing institutions, as well as the research-based pharmaceutical industry have joined forces to raise awareness of the dangers of counterfeit drugs.

The Fight the Fakes campaign aims to create a global movement to raise awareness of fake medicines by highlighting the stories of people whose lives have been affected by these drugs and of those who are working to stop this crime.

The campaign website (www.fightthefakes.org) also serves as a resource for organisations and individuals who are looking to support this effort by sharing resources, outlining opportunities for action and reporting what others are doing to fight counterfeits.

'It's a global problem and we all need to come on board in fighting together, and once we're able to do that we are going to make some real strides globally in fighting counterfeit medicines,' said Stephen Opuni, Chief Executive of the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority.

Fake medicines trick patients into believing they are receiving genuine medicines, while in truth they are taking products that could cause further illness, disability or even death. They also pose a public health threat by contributing to the development of treatment resistance.

It's a global problem and we all need to come on board in fighting together

Counterfeit medicines are reported in nearly every region of the world. In high income countries, their incidence is less than 1% of market value, according to the estimates of the countries concerned. Figures about sales of fake medicines rise to 10% globally, but in some areas of Asia, Africa and Latin America they account for up to 30% of medicines in circulation. In Africa, one-third of all malaria medicines are probably fake. It is estimated that one medicine in two purchased on illegal Internet sites that hide their physical address is fake.

Fake medicines can mimic brand-name or generic prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Nearly any type of pharmaceutical product can be and has been counterfeited: whether 'lifestyle' medicines, including erectile dysfunction and weight loss medicines, or lifesaving medicines including those used to treat malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other life-threatening conditions.

The negative impact of fake medicines is widespread and the environment in which the manufacturing, transportation, distribution, and consumption of these products takes place is complex, making it more difficult to address the problem.

In launching this new campaign, the partners – the International Council of Nurses (ICN); the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA); the International Institute of Research Against Counterfeit Medicines (IRACM); the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV); the NCD Alliance; The Fondation Chirac; The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; the World Heart Federation (WHF); the World Medical Association (WMA); and the US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) – believe that to address this threat, public awareness and coordinated actions among all involved in the manufacturing and distribution of medicines are vital.

They will bring to bear their experience, knowledge and insights, and work together to protect patients across the world, and call for the creation and strict application of legislative and regulatory frameworks to combat this global threat.