WHO raises fears over high level of counterfeit drugs in Kenya

African Press Agency
Nairobi (Kenya)
September 4, 2008

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday raised fears over the high level of counterfeit malaria drugs in Kenya.

It blamed the lack of clear policy and a regulatory and monitoring body for the upsurge of counterfeit drugs.

Last week, Medial Services Minister Anyang’ Nyongo’ said that up to 80 percent of medicinal drugs found in the country are counterfeits, with a larger percentage of the drugs being used to treat malaria.

Speaking in Nairobi, WHO country director David Okello said the country needs to come up with a strong regulatory board to curb the fake drugs.

He warned the counterfeit drugs can compromise the health of already sick people and urged the government to be more vigilant on malaria drugs entering the country from foreign pharmaceutical companies.

He urged the government to strictly adhere to the WHO guidelines on importation of safe drugs.
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