Counterfeit drugs: a symptom of govt failure

The problem of counterfeit drugs appears to affect most severely those countries where there are obstacles to good governance, according to  the London, UK-based think-tank, the International Policy Network.  Julian Harris, a research fellow at the center which specializes in  development issues, has highlighted the differences between the fake  pharmaceutical markets in less developed countries versus richer  nations, as well as their origins. He argues that "governments can help  by doing less, taxing less and focussing on what would really help, like  strengthening the rule of law." There is also a need for leadership of  the "skill and courage" of Dora Akunyili, the former Director General of  the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Mr  Harris claims.

Since 2002, 123 consignments of counterfeit pharmaceutical products  have been destroyed by the NAFDAC for an estimated value of 24.25  billion naira ($167.2 million). Under Prof Akunyili's high-profile and  energetic leadership, the proportion of fake medicines on the Nigerian  market dropped from 41% in 2001 to 16.7% in 2006, according to the  agency's estimates (Marketletters passim).

Across developing countries, about a quarter of all drugs are  counterfeit, with Africa worst hit with up to a third, Mr Harris notes.  By contrast, developed countries tend to experience much lower  penetration of counterfeit medicines, despite the higher prices they, at  least in theory, ought to bring. The IPN view is that brands serve as  guarantors of quality in the eyes of consumers and trade mark protection  is taken seriously by firms and the authorities alike.