#StopFakeMeds #ThinkSmart
Because nowadays our perception about fake medicines inevitably leads consumers to purchase falsified or low-quality medicines. And fake medicines kill!
In far too many countries, most consumers do not have a clear understanding of the risks associated with fake medicines. Yet, the rate of fake medicines ranges between 10% and 60%, depending on the country – and these are just estimates.
In developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, consumers tend to view medicines as regular commodities, with little suspicion about their origin or quality. They are often unaware that these products can be ineffective or dangerous. People are willing to buy cheap medicines, thinking that they are, if not entirely safe, at least not harmful.
Poverty and inaccessibility to quality medicines push mothers or heads of households to consider informal markets or street vendors as more accessible than legal alternatives.
Distrust in official healthcare systems is rooted in endemic poor regulation. The idea that authentic medicines sold in regulated pharmacies might be no different from those found in informal markets has become a reality.
This poor understanding of the dangers of fake medicines leads to the death of those who are supposed to be healed and fuels crime.
In developed countries, like in Europe or North America, awareness of the dangers of fake medicines is more widespread.
Yet, there is significant growth in online medicine purchases from illegitimate websites, exposing consumers to a higher risk of fake medicines. Misleading advertising and false information spread online contribute to a misperception about their authenticity.
Consumers’ perception varies depending on the severity of the illness for which the medication is prescribed. For medicines treating serious conditions (such as cancer or HIV), patients are more likely to check the source of their medication. Conversely, for chronic illness treatments, basic medicines (antibiotics, painkillers, etc.), sexual enhancers, or weight loss products, consumers tend to be less cautious about the origin of the product.
These consumers, often drawn to low prices and easy access, believe these medicines are safe.
Raising awareness about the dangers of fake medicines means helping to restore our right to health – a right that includes access to authentic, high-quality, and affordable medicines.
