United Nations Radio

Trafficking in counterfeit medicines is a global crime and a threat to international public health.

Pharmacist dispensing drugs

This is the message that United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent to the "Call of Cotonou" meeting on Trafficking of counterfeit medicines.

In a message delivered in Cotonou, Benin, by Abdoulie Janneh, Executive Secretary, UN Economic Commission for Africa, the Secretary-General calls for joint action to fight this crime.

The Secretary-General notes that victims tend to be sick and vulnerable patients desperate for a cure.

Instead, he adds, their hopes are dashed by worsening illness or even death when counterfeit medicines fail to address their conditions or contain toxic contaminants.

The Secretary-General says the problem of counterfeit medicines is pervasive, affecting nearly all countries, and counterfeit products are found in pharmacies, hospitals and many unregulated markets.

He points out that developing countries, which often lack the capacity to stop counterfeit products from entering markets, are hardest hit.

The Secretary-General says the United Nations is committed to supporting the Call of Cotonou and is ready to work with other interested parties to protect the vulnerable people from falling victim to this insidious and illicit trade.

Gail Walker, United Nations Radio
(duration: 1'14:)