CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background Of The Study
The deleterious implications of fake drugs is understood to be a central challenge to the integrity of public health systems around the globe, as well as a direct threat to individual health and welfare (Finlay, 2011). Until recently, the most infamous internationally recognised dealings in fake drugs was Grahams Greens fictional account of a British fake penicillin peddler who was eliminated in the sewers of post war Vienna in the Third Man (Greene, 1950). Unfortunately, hostile dealings are very much a contemporary reality (Newton et al., 2002). The prevalence of fake drugs appear to be rising and has not been countered by close cooperation between pharmaceutical companies, government, and international organisations concerned with trade, health, customs and excise, and counterfeiting. The issue of drug counterfeiting has been reported mostly in local newspapers (Kelesidis et al., 2007). There is little published medical research assessing their prevalence, public health impact, or probable countermeasures (Newton et al., 2002). Few studies have reported a high incidence on the availability of fake drugs, however, majority of these reports do not contain quantitative data supporting these claims.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines fake drugs as “drugs that have been deliberately or fraudulently mislabelled with respect to identity and/or source” (WHO, 2011). The products could include incorrect ingredients, may misstate the amount of the active ingredients, or are manufactured under circumstances that lack quality control. Fake drugs in Nigeria include preparations without active ingredients, toxic preparations, expired drugs that are relabelled, drugs issued without complete manufacturing information and drugs that are unregistered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Current estimate suggests that 10% of prescription drugs sold worldwide are counterfeits, fake or contaminated, and in parts of Africa and Asia, the figures exceed 50% (Newton et al., 2001; Cockburn, 2002).
Counterfeit pharmaceuticals remain one of the world’s fastest growing industries. Recent trends suggest an increase in counterfeit drug sale to over $70 billion in 2010, an increase of over 90% from 2005. A report by Pfizer, a global pharmaceutical firm, on fake drugs states that profits from counterfeiting today surpasses gains made from heroin and cocaine (PGS, 2007). While the issue of fake drugs has long been treated as an illicit case of intellectual property infringement, the view has often masked what is in fact a public health crisis.
In light of this, this study aims examining the press and sensitization of the public on fake drugs in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
The problem of fake drugs is wide spread affecting mostly developing country like Nigeria. The actual prevalence of fake (counterfeit) drugs is difficult to ascertain partly due to failure of the majority of member nations in the World Health Organisation to report instances of drug counterfeiting occurring in their countries (Newton et al., 2006) but also just like other crimes, drug counterfeiting is an underground business that often comes to light only when deaths occur. The extent of the severity of fake drug problem varies widely between countries, ranging from
1.3 Purpose Of The Study
The main purpose of this study is to examine press sensitization of the public on fake drugs in Nigeria: Analysis of the coverage of NAFDAC by Nigeria press.
Other specific purposes are to examine,
· To examine the consumers’ opinion on the extent to which media covers NAFDAC sensitization programme
· To ascertain how the consumers became aware of NAFDAC
· To examine the extent to which the consumers of medicines are knowledgeable about expired, counterfeit and substandard medicines
· To examine the level of consumers application of knowledge gained from media coverage of NAFDAC Sensitization in identifying counterfeit and substandard medicine
1.4 Research Question
To carry out this study and arrive at credible result, the following research questions are addressed:
· What are the consumers’ opinion on the extent to which media covers NAFDAC sensitization programme?
· How does the consumers became aware of NAFDAC?
· To what extent do consumers of medicines are knowledgeable about expired, counterfeit and substandard medicines?
· What is the level of consumers application of knowledge gained from media coverage of NAFDAC Sensitization in identifying counterfeit and substandard medicine?
1.5 Signification Of The Study
The study is significant in that it highlights various roles played by the press in sensitizing the masses on issues of fake drugs as well as the extent to which the press enhances public awareness on fake drug. The study is also of benefit to the masses as it will highlight the extent the press covers the activities of NAFDAC exposure of fake drugs in Nigeria .The study will enable the masses realise that fake drugs are being traded in Nigeria. It will further serve as source of reference for researchers who will want to research on topics that deal on drugs.
1.6 Scope Of The Study
The scope of the study covers press sensitization of the public about fake drugs in Nigeria and was narrowed to Lagos Metropolis. In respect of the geographical location used, the study also cover the level of press sensitization of the masses in respect of fake drugs in Nigeria and the activities of NAFDAC in curbing the spread of fake drugs.
1.7 Conceptual Definition Of Terms
NAFDAC: National agency for food and Drug administration and controlSensitizing: To educate the public or the masses.Fake drug: Fake drugsPress:The media such as NTA which inform and educate the masses.