Recalibrating African health laws to combat substandard and falsified medical products: Beyond COVID-19

Abstract

The multi-faceted problem of substandard and falsified medical-pharmaceutical products remains a loose cannon and a constant threat to the enjoyment of the right to life of the people of Africa. Studies show that one out of every ten medications in circulation within the continent is either substandard or falsified. Sadly, amid the scourge of COVID-19, an upward surge in the volume of substandard and falsified medical-pharmaceutical products in the region was reported. Investigations conducted within the period attributed the prevalence of substandard and falsified medical products in the continent to weak regulatory legal frameworks among other factors. This piece draws from the empirical studies and judging from the transnational nature of the problem of substandard and falsified medical products, canvases for the harmonization of legislative action by African states to aid in curbing the menace of substandard and falsified medical-pharmaceutical products.