WHO Pushes for Global Cooperation In War On Counterfeit Drugs
Date Published: Thursday, February 16th, 2006
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for an international campaign to combat the growing epidemic of counterfeit drugs. The agency intends to push for global input, political commitment, and creative solutions at a scheduled meeting in Rome beginning today.
The conference is being hosted by the Italian Pharmaceutical Agency (AIFA) and Italian Cooperation, and was organized with the support of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) and the German Government.
WHO has invited all interested parties to join the global task force which will focus on legislation and law enforcement, trade, risk communications, and innovative technology solutions regarding the detection of counterfeit drugs.
The counterfeiting of medicines occurs in every country on the globe, and is estimated to make up 10% of the global medicines trade.
In October 2005, two of the largest prescription drug companies in the world, Pfizer (No. 1) and Novartis (No. 7), made it clear that governments must cooperate to stop the global spread of counterfeit drugs, most of which come from India and China.
A worldwide explosion in online sales of bogus drugs has caused a major disruption in the marketplace and is significantly affecting sales of all types of drugs including antibiotics, Viagra, and even vitamin E.
Learn more about WHO’s campaign to combat counterfeit drugs.
