USAID donated some drugs seized in Lagos, Abia markets – NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has revealed that USAID and UNFPA-donated antiretroviral drugs were among the 87 truckloads of banned, expired and substandard medicinal products it seized recently.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made the disclosure on Wednesday. She said the counterfeiters were after her life and those of her colleagues.

While briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Adeyeye stated: “I told you about the attempted murder about six months ago.

“One of our staff members in Kano had his child kidnapped because he was doing his job. Fortunately, the child escaped.

“For me, I have two policemen living in my house 24/7 in Abuja and Lagos. I don’t have a life.

“I can’t go anywhere without police escorts. That’s not my way of living, but I don’t have a choice because we must save our country. Nonetheless, I also use common sense.”

Speaking further, she added: “Some of the products (seized) are large quantities of donated antiretroviral drugs, expired female and male condoms by USAID, UNFPA.

“Large quantities of pharmaceutical products, including vaccines, prescription-only medicines, etc. These products were discovered stacked in toilets, under the staircase, and on the rooftop at very high temperatures without consideration for cold chain storage requirements.

“Oxytocin injection and several thermolabile products stored under extremely hot temperatures, enough to denature any genuine pharmaceuticals.

“The problem is not only about the originality of the products but about the environment and storage. Products recommended to be stored at -8°C, -2°C to 8°C were found in this environment.”