International Development Law Organization

Falsified Medicines

Falsified and substandard (FS) medicines have the potential to undermine global health gains. These products are always ineffective, can be toxic, and can lead to drug resistance. Falsified products include medicines for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, bacterial and fungal infections, malaria and other medical conditions. They include tablets, syrups and injectable fluids, and both adult and pediatric formulations. 

The problem is most acute in low- and middle-income countries, where oversight is often minimal or non-existent. While the prevalence in developed markets is likely below 1%, it is estimated that up to and more than 15% of all drugs sold in developing countries constitute a threat to patients. But in high-income countries too, the public is at risk from online purchases from illegitimate vendors.

Uganda Report: Strengthening the Elimination of Falsified and Substandard Medicines

The full report on “Strengthening the Legal Environment for the Elimination of Falsified and Substandard Medicines” is now available. The report is the third product of the pilot and preliminary phase of a larger initiative to build a knowledge base and collection of tools to support a whole-of-government approach to manage the public health problem of falsified and substandard (FS) medicines in any country.  See also the executive summary from the beginning stages

Partnerships for Safe Drugs

IDLO is tackling this challenge of FS with partners in the World Bank’s Global Forum on Law, Justice and Development. A consortium led by the Organization will develop an assessment tool to assist strengthen national legal frameworks to respond to this emerging challenge. The tool will be tested in Uganda in the course of 2015.

Key Initiatives

  • The full report on “Strengthening the Legal Environment for the Elimination of Falsified and Substandard Medicines” is now available. The report is the third product of the pilot and preliminary phase of a larger initiative to build a knowledge base and collection of tools to support a whole-of-government approach to manage the public health problem of falsified and substandard (FS) medicines in any country.  See also the executive summary from the beginning stages
  • IDLO is tackling this challenge of FS with partners in the World Bank’s Global Forum on Law, Justice and Development. A consortium led by the Organization will develop an assessment tool to assist strengthen national legal frameworks to respond to this emerging challenge. The tool will be tested in Uganda in the course of 2015.
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