The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit and expired items worth over N500 million.
The operation was part of a routine nationwide consumer safety drill, as noted by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC.
The destroyed products ranged from medications containing regulated and psychoactive compounds to foodstuffs and cosmetics.
Notably, a significant quantity of unregistered Faurecia instant powdered milk was also destroyed.
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The Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria (ACPN) and compliant corporations voluntarily turned in expired and unwholesome items for destruction.
Prof. Adeyeye revealed that the destroyed products have an estimated street value of N535, 000, 657.00. She reiterated that drug counterfeiting is not only an act of economic sabotage but also a serious threat to public health.
She urged Nigerians to be vigilant for restricted goods, such as unwholesome foods and counterfeit medications.
In another significant development, NAFDAC has approved the use of a single dose of the Gardasil vaccine as part of the routine immunization program against cervical cancer.
This decision is based on scientific evidence showing that a single shot of the vaccine can provide robust protection against cervical cancer caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs).
The vaccine can be administered as early as 9 years old or as late as 26 years old, although it is recommended for girls and boys between the ages of 11 and 12 years old.
With cervical cancer being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for females in Africa, this development marks a significant stride in public health.
Prof. Adeyeye emphasized the urgent need for effective and sustainable interventions to prevent and control cervical cancer in Nigeria and other African countries. She continues to urge Nigerians to stay alert for counterfeit medicines, unwholesome foods, and other regulated products.