Fake Malaria Drugs Fueling Deaths in Africa

Counterfeit medications proliferate due to weak regulation, costing lives and billions.

The widespread distribution of counterfeit medications in Africa is causing over 100,000 deaths, particularly from falsified antimalarials. A new report highlights the urgent need for stronger medicine distribution networks to combat this crisis.

The Case of Benson Wambugi

In April 2024, Benson Wambugi, a farmer in Kieni, suffered for weeks from a persistent fever. Suspecting malaria after heavy rains, he sought treatment at a local pharmacy. There, he was given counterfeit pills that worsened his condition. Only at a clinic did he get the correct medication.

Factors Fueling the Crisis

Several factors contribute to the illegal pharmaceutical market in Africa. These include limited access to affordable medicines, gaps in the supply chain, and the proliferation of unregulated street markets.

These parallel networks thrive in areas with weak regulatory oversight, endangering lives and eroding trust in the formal healthcare system. The problem is widespread in Kenya, where over 70% of medicines are imported.

Staggering Financial Impact

The falsified medicines market is estimated to be worth US$200 billion, causing an eight per cent loss in uncollected taxes across Africa. According to the World Health Organization, fake drugs contribute to antimicrobial resistance and can lead to treatment failures, serious health consequences, and even death (WHO).

“The trafficking of falsified medicines is 20 to 45 times more profitable than drug trafficking and kills 700,000 people worldwide each year. While its share is estimated at around 10 per cent globally, the situation is much more alarming in Africa, where these products account for up to 30 per cent of medicines in circulation, and as much as 60 to 80 per cent in some conflict zones,” the report states.

Women at Greater Risk

Women in Africa are disproportionately affected by fake medicine, facing a 130 times higher risk of death from pregnancy or childbirth complications compared to women in Europe and North America. Many African women resort to the informal market due to economic, geographical, or cultural reasons, exposing them to immense risks.

For example, ‘Sofia’, a birth control pill banned in Kenya a decade ago, remains available through unregulated channels. This drug contains extra hormones that increase the risk of blood clots and heart disease.

Call to Action

The CFAO white paper emphasizes the crucial role of official medicine distribution networks in Africa, particularly in Kenya. It calls for a reliable, traceable supply chain to ensure the integrity of medicines reaching patients.

“The medicine distribution crisis in Africa is not just a supply chain issue but a matter of life and death. While Kenya is doing well because of a strong private sector, this white paper is a call to action. We must strengthen official channels and empower local health systems to better protect their people,” said Ken Accajou, deputy chief executive officer, CFAO Healthcare.

Efforts to Combat Counterfeits

Despite the challenges, Gavin Pearson, head of CFAO Healthcare Kenya, believes the country has made significant progress in healthcare. “By bringing together government, regulators, and private sector players, we can build a safer and more transparent pharmaceutical supply chain,” said Pearson.

Increasing local pharmaceutical manufacturing, currently at only 30 per cent of medicines used in Kenya, could strengthen supply chains and reduce exposure to substandard and falsified medicines.