The US government has launched a $10,000 reward for information on counterfeit malaria medicines throughout Nigeria in efforts to clamp down on substandard medicines frustrating treatment of the disease.
The Make-a-Difference programme, under the US President's Malaria Initiative, will give approximately N2m "to anyone who reports information concerning the illegal distribution of stolen or falsified anti-malaria medication in Nigeria," said US ambassador James Entwistle on Friday.
A separate toll-free hotline 07080601816 will take confidential calls regarding illegal drug distribution networks.
The programme will also "inform the public about the dangers of using falsified and stolen medications, including how to avoid such medicines," said Entwistle at events marking World Malaria Day.
"Nigerians can make a difference in their communities by reporting individuals involved in the manufacturing, distribution or sale of these illicit and dangerous products."
US authorities investigating theft, diversion and resale of anti-malaria commodities funded by its government estimate sales of stolen or falsified anti-malaria medicines exceed $60 million a year.
US funding of malaria interventions in the last four years has risen from $60m to $75m, according to the US ambassador.
"By working together, we can put an end to criminal acts that cause needless suffering and death, and ensure that Nigerians consume only safe and legitimate" drugs, said Entwistle.
Illicit trade in anti-malaria violates the intellectual property rights of genuine drug makers and pushes up number of malaria deaths and cost of health care in Nigeria.
In broader economics, counterfeit medicines stifle local pharmaceutical industry and its potential to develop, innovate and create jobs.
"Many [innovators] are not aware of intellectual property rights and the need to protect their products from counterfeiting," said Nima Mann, director of trademarks, patents and designs registry at the federal ministry of industry, trade and investment.
She suggested use of whistleblowers, who will be protected and given incentives, for identifying importers of fake drugs.
By Judd-Leonard Okafor
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