In
Africa, counterfeit prescription drugs are a colossal problem that is growing.
Not only are the consumers in need of malaria drugs being duped, but doctors
and medical buyers are as well. Luckily mPedigree Network, a nonprofit based in
Ghana who advocates for development strategies to fight counterfeiting, has
teamed up with Hewlett Packard (HP) to bring a new anti-counterfeiting program
to Ghana and Nigeria.
As
seen in the image above, the HP and mPedigree Network program requires a
consumer to scratch off a label on their prescription bottle to reveal a
verification code. This code can then be texted to a designated phone number
for verification. mPedigree Network works with the pharmaceutical companies to
insure that each prescription has its own unique code. HP’s secure “cloud”
verifies that the medication is authentic and a text message is sent back to
the consumer stating whether or not the prescription is authentic.
According
to the World Health Organization, 10% of drugs globally are counterfeit and in
developing countries as much as 25% of the drug market is counterfeit. Eliminating
counterfeit drugs could save over 700,000 lives a year. In a recent interview
with mPedigree Network Founder, Bright Simmons, he states that he has seen
estimates that up to 60% of the legitimate supply chain of medicine in West
Africa has been compromised. Shocking statistics for countries that need such
medications the most.
Since
mobile phones are very common in Ghana and Nigeria, this program will hopefully
put a huge damper in the counterfeit drug industry. Best of all, it’s free.