The problem globally

The World Health Organisation estimates that less than one percent of the drug products sold in Europe, the United States and equally developed countries, are counterfeit. In developing countries, however, the situation is very different: according to experts, up to 10 percent of the drug products sold there are counterfeit. The problem tends to be more acute in countries with weaker regulatory monitoring. In some countries in the former Soviet Bloc, more than 20 percent of all marketed drug products are dangerous counterfeits; while in certain areas of Africa, Asia and South America, the rate is even higher than 30 percent.

When considering these generalised figures, it should be taken into account that the extent of the problem can vary greatly from region to region in certain countries and may be dependent on temporary offers. However, some 50 percent of the products supplied worldwide - and therefore also to the United Kingdom and Ireland region - by dubious on-line drug providers who do not reveal their true addresses, are counterfeit.

Although other organisations have come up with much less dramatic figures, it is not possible to determine whether the detected cases are merely the tip of the iceberg. It is certain that the problem of counterfeit drugs is no longer confined to developing countries, but affects everyone in this increasingly globalised world:

• Holidaymakers regularly purchase medicines while abroad (in some cases they buy medicines for friends and family, although this is prohibited).
• Traditional market structure and trade channels are being liberalised in order to reduce prices by bringing in new suppliers.
• The internet has globalised the demand and supply of all kinds of goods.

The consequences of the spread of counterfeit drugs are often horrific:

• According to reports, more than 100 children died in Nigeria in 1990 after taking a cough syrup which had been diluted with toxic solvents
• Five years later, approximately 2,500 people died following an immunisation with a supposed meningitis vaccine, which actually contained nothing but water
• In Kenya and some Southeast Asian countries, supposed anti-malarials turned out to be entirely ineffective

Other examples in developing countries can be found on the Wellcome Trust website - Counterfeit Drugs (Counterfeit drugs: A vast and unreported problem says article).

You can also find out more on the 'Organisations' page.