South Africa has launched Africa’s first National Action Plan to combat the deadly trade in substandard and falsified medicines, a growing threat that experts warn kills thousands worldwide each year.

The plan, unveiled today by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the Department of Health and the World Health Organisation, focuses on prevention, detection and rapid response.

Authorities say fake medicines often contain toxic substances, incorrect ingredients or no medicine at all, placing unsuspecting patients at risk of serious illness or death.

“We are not just dealing with a health crisis here because this is a national security threat that requires every part of government working as one team,” said SAPHRA CEO Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela

The plan is the result of a multistakeholder committee and marks the conclusion of South Africa’s pilot of the WHO’s draft handbook, paving the way for the global rollout of the methodology to other countries.

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Government agencies, including the Border Management Authority, the National Prosecuting Authority, the South African Revenue Service, police and customs officials will work alongside industry, academia and patient groups in what officials describe as the most comprehensive collaboration in South Africa’s healthcare history.

The World Health Organisation estimates counterfeit medicines cost global health systems more than $30 billion annually, while undermining public trust in healthcare. For South Africans, the risk is both financial and life-threatening.

Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who delivered the keynote address at the launch, said the action plan positioned South Africa as a continental leader in protecting people from a “silent killer” that targets the most vulnerable.

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