Counterfeit medicine clicks

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped up their efforts to combat the creation and distribution of counterfeit malaria pills in Africa. WHO estimates that upwards of 2,000 children a day are being killed as a result of taking these phony medications. (MediaGlobal)

As part of United States efforts to combat transnational crime and promote the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) worldwide, the State Department has approved eleven projects totaling $3.9 million in Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) anticrime funds. These funds will enable U.S. law enforcement agencies and diplomatic missions to collaborate in the delivery of criminal enforcement training and technical assistance programs on IPR protection to foreign law enforcement partners. Sub-Saharan Africa Regional is allocated $972,000 for IPR regional workshops for law enforcement officials in West Africa (including Nigeria) and nations belonging to the East African Community (EAC) and Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), with particular emphasis on fighting the spread of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, including HIV-AIDS drugs. (US department of State)

Rwanda - experts from Health Action International (HAI) Africa, a civil society organization, in conjunction with Oxfam, have warned that, a growing push by countries to enact anti-counterfeit laws could undermine access to affordable medicines in Africa. (allAfrica)