Counterfeit drugs plague Tanzania

Although knock-off merchandise of almost any kind is available in Tanzania's markets, the most dangerous counterfeits are the imitation  medicines sold to unwitting consumers, reports AllAfrica.com. In  Tanzania and across the developing world, the business of fake drugs is  booming. The World Health Organization has estimated that, in the  developing countries of Africa, and in parts of Asia and Latin America,  up to 30% of medicines on the market are counterfeit.

Edith Ngirwamungu, president of the Medical Association of Tanzania,  said: "the consequences of this business are really immense. Take, for  example, a person with severe malaria: if he or she cannot access the  genuine drug, then it means they may die." She added that inefficacy of  counterfeit pharmaceuticals also made some Tanzanians lose confidence  in crucial medicines, such as antiretrovirals for people living with  HIV/AIDS.