Move to combat trade in fake medicines

Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation, Kunio Mikuriya, yesterday signed the Cotonou Declaration as a symbolic gesture of the Organisation’s commitment to combating the increasing trade in fake medicines which have harmful and sometimes lethal consequences for vulnerable communities around the world. “Africa in particular has become a huge dumping ground for criminals who peddle in this illicit trade and take advantage of the vulnerable and povertystricken who often buy these medicines in good faith only to suffer adverse affects,” said Secretary General Mikuriya, pointing out that fake medicines often contain no active ingredients, very few active ingredients, or even lethal ingredients at times.