FDA Continuously Warns of Drug Counterfeiting

Fighting counterfeiting presents a substantial public health problem. The figures most commonly cited by international organizations indicate counterfeiting in an average of 10% globally, although this figure may be higher in other regions and pharmaceutical markets which are not fully aware of the extent of the issue in their region. The pharmaceutical regulations in these areas are not even fully anchored and sometimes victims of fraudulence headed by their own authorities. Counterfeiting is most rampant in regions where regulatory policies and systems of medicines are weakest. 

On the other hand, according to World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 50% of drugs sold on online pharmacies and websites are fraud and trafficking in counterfeit medicines is estimated to generate a total of several hundred million euros in sales each year.

The battle against counterfeit medicines has brought together a lot of shareholders and mobilizes international movement conducted by the government, healthcare authorities, stakeholders as well as police authorities and non-profit organizations. WHO leads a number of participants particularly the United Nations (UN), The Peterson Group, a notable NGO operating in Asia Pacific, the local governments of Kenya, South Africa, Thailand with headquarters in Bangkok and Pattaya, agents in Jakarta, Indonesia and a base in Tokyo, Japan. These groups have since undergone different raids and spearheaded awareness programs to various local units, individuals and set of health professionals across the globe.