Manny Ita –
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned the public about counterfeit HIV diagnostic test kits circulating in Nigeria and urged healthcare providers and distributors to exercise caution.
The agency said investigations revealed that the counterfeit product differs significantly from the authentic version approved for use in the country. According to NAFDAC, the fake test kit is manufactured by Omega Diagnostics Ltd. and bears the address Omega House, Hillfoots Business Village, Alva, FK12 5DQ, Scotland, United Kingdom.
“By contrast, the counterfeit version is manufactured by OMEGA DIAGNOSTICS LTD., Omega House Hillfoots Business Village Alva, FK 12 5DQ, Scotland, United Kingdom, carries no NAFDAC registration number and marketer, it also displays a shelf life of three years, which contradicts the 18-month shelf life approved by the agency,” the agency stated.
NAFDAC noted that the counterfeit product carries a three-year shelf life spanning August 2024 to January 2027, whereas the genuine version approved by the agency has a shelf life of 18 months.
The agency said all zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to intensify surveillance and remove any counterfeit or unregistered versions of the product found within their jurisdictions.
NAFDAC also advised distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals and caregivers to exercise caution and avoid distributing, selling or using unregistered medical products.
Healthcare providers have further been urged to review stocks in hospitals, clinics and pharmacies and report any suspected falsified or compromised products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
