Many are familiar with the WHO estimation from 2017 that 10% of medical products circulating in low- and middle-income countries are substandard or falsified. While concerning, this figure may no longer be reflective of the current situation. A study conducted in East Africa and published earlier this year sheds an updated light on this alarming issue.
Researchers uncovered a crisis within the region's healthcare sector, with disturbing rates of substandard and falsified antimicrobial medicines. The study found that 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 than 𝐎𝐍𝐄-𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐇 of the medicines tested failed quality control standards. Such medicines can lead to severe health complications for those taking them, and lead to the development of antibiotic resistance for the globe.
To address this growing crisis, it is essential to improve #supplychain management and arm healthcare providers and the public with information and tools that can help protect us all. We must work together to reduce the prevalence of #falsifiedmedicines, save patients' lives and combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Read the full study: https://lnkd.in/dwNwZrSg
