The Senegalese Agency for Pharmaceutical Regulation (Arp) has installed a steering committee to prepare for the upcoming Week of Fight Against Substandard and Falsified Health Products (Pqif). The committee's task is to organize a campaign to raise awareness and mobilize against counterfeit medicines. This move is part of the agency's efforts to intensify the fight against the circulation of substandard or falsified health products, which poses a significant threat to public health.
The Week of Fight Against Substandard and Falsified Health Products is scheduled to take place from November 22 to 27, 2026, under the theme "Safe Medicines, Saved Lives: Together Against Counterfeit Medicines". The objective is to strengthen awareness among the population and mobilize stakeholders involved in the fight against this illicit trade. Dr. Madické Diagne, head of the Inspection, Market Surveillance, and Vigilance Department, emphasized the need to reinforce prevention and repression strategies to curb these practices.
Dr. Diagne also highlighted that several factors should alert consumers to potential counterfeit medicines, including abnormally low prices compared to authentic products, expiration dates, the origin of the medicine, and the condition of its packaging. He stressed that the commercialization or falsification of medicines is a criminal act. The Arp has been regularly dismantling illicit distribution networks, including within some health posts located in border areas.
Dr. Aïssatou Sougou, Director-General of the Arp, said that the awareness week should be a moment of strong citizen engagement and sensitization. She urged the population to systematically refuse health products whose origin and quality are not guaranteed, as their use can lead to serious adverse effects. The Arp's efforts aim to protect public health and prevent the risks associated with counterfeit medicines.
The steering committee installed by the Arp will play a crucial role in organizing the awareness campaign and mobilizing stakeholders. The committee's activities will focus on raising awareness about the risks of counterfeit medicines and promoting the use of safe and effective health products. By working together, the authorities and stakeholders can combat the illicit trade in counterfeit medicines and protect public health.
The fight against counterfeit medicines requires a multi-faceted approach that involves not only the authorities but also the population. Dr. Sougou emphasized the importance of citizen engagement in the fight against counterfeit medicines, urging people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. By working together, Senegal can reduce the risks associated with counterfeit medicines and ensure that its citizens have access to safe and effective health products.
The awareness week will provide an opportunity for the Arp to engage with the population and stakeholders on the issue of counterfeit medicines. The agency will use various channels to disseminate information and raise awareness about the risks of counterfeit medicines. By doing so, the Arp aims to promote a culture of safety and vigilance in the use of health products, ultimately protecting public health and saving lives.
Key points
- The Senegalese Agency for Pharmaceutical Regulation has installed a steering committee to combat counterfeit medicines ahead of the Week of Fight Against Substandard and Falsified Health Products.
