NAFDAC alerts public on fake cholera vaccine

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the general populace on the existence of a fake Cholera vaccine in circulation.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, said in a statement that the packaging of the falsified Dukoral Cholera vaccine displays texts in English and French language.

NAFDAC Adeyeye stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had confiscated some quantities of the fake vaccine.

“We are raising this alert to health care providers and the society at large about the existence of falsified Dukoral Oral Cholera vaccine circulating in Bangladesh.

“The WHO Country Office and Health Authorities in Bangladesh have quarantined the 8,000 falsified packs of Dukoral Oral Cholera vaccine so far identified.

“The details of the falsified Dukoral Oral Cholera vaccines identified in Bangladesh are as follows – Product Name Dukoral Oral Cholera Vaccine/ Vaccin Oral contre le Cholera Batch Number KV8262B1 Expiry Date 2020-04 Stated Manufacturer Valneva Canada Inc.

“Note that the logo of the manufacturer Crucell is also displayed,” she said.

“Dukoral Oral Cholera vaccine manufactured by Valneva Canada Inc is not registered by NAFDAC. “All importers, wholesalers and retailers are implored to desist from illegal importation, distribution and sale of the falsified vaccine,” Adeyeye warned.

She added that surveillance had been strengthened by NAFDAC at all ports of entry to prevent illegal importation of the falsified Dukoral Oral Cholera vaccine from Bangladesh.

“NAFDAC has also heightened surveillance to prevent distribution and sale of the falsified vaccine. “Health care providers and other members of the public are advised to be vigilant and contact the nearest NAFDAC office with any information on the falsified Dukoral vaccine. “Anybody in possession of the falsified vaccine should submit it to the nearest NAFDAC office,” she advised.