ASSESSMENT ON PREVALENCE OF FAKE DRUGS IN PATENT MEDICINE STORES IN YABA, LAGOS STATE

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The proliferation of counterfeit or fake drugs remains a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria. According to World Health Organization (2021), counterfeit medicines are those that are deliberately and fraudulently mislabeled with respect to identity or source, often containing incorrect ingredients, improper dosages, or no active ingredients at all. Such drugs pose severe risks including treatment failures, increased morbidity, mortality, and the development of drug resistance (Nwokike et al., 2020). In Nigeria, the informal pharmaceutical sector, dominated by patent medicine stores, has been identified as a critical node where fake drugs are frequently distributed due to poor regulatory oversight and high demand for affordable medication (Eze et al., 2023). YABA, a commercial hub in Lagos State State, houses one of the largest and busiest open markets in Nigeria, with numerous patent medicine stores serving a vast urban and peri-urban population. These stores often operate under minimal supervision, creating vulnerabilities for the infiltration and circulation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals (Ibekwe et al., 2022). The widespread circulation of fake drugs in such markets not only undermines healthcare outcomes but also erodes public trust in health systems and regulatory bodies. The complexities of fake drug prevalence involve socio-economic factors such as poverty, limited access to formal healthcare, low awareness among consumers, and lax enforcement of drug laws (Okechukwu & Eze, 2021). Studies show that consumers in markets like YABA often resort to patent medicine vendors due to convenience, affordability, and cultural preferences, inadvertently exposing themselves to counterfeit products (Adeniran & Onwukwe, 2022). This underscores the importance of assessing the scale and characteristics of fake drug circulation in such settings to inform effective interventions. Pharmacovigilance, the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or other drug-related problems, is critical in addressing the menace of counterfeit drugs (World Health Organization, 2022). However, the effectiveness of pharmacovigilance systems in informal sectors remains questionable, especially in high-density markets where regulatory reach is limited (Udechukwu et al., 2024). Therefore, empirical data on the prevalence and impact of fake drugs in these settings is imperative to guide policy formulation and enforcement strategies. Several Nigerian studies have highlighted the dangers of counterfeit drugs, yet limited attention has been given to the informal patent medicine stores in YABA market despite its prominence (Chukwuemeka et al., 2023). There is a pressing need to fill this research gap with robust, context-specific evidence to strengthen regulatory frameworks and improve public health outcomes. This study thus aims to assess the prevalence of fake drugs in patent medicine stores within YABA market, evaluate the knowledge and practices of vendors, and identify key factors that facilitate the circulation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. The findings will contribute to a clearer understanding of this public health threat and inform strategies for mitigating its impact. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Fake drugs continue to plague Nigeria’s healthcare system, with patent medicine stores often serving as the frontline distributors of these harmful substances (Okeke & Obi, 2021). In YABA, the dense population and commercial activities create a conducive environment for the proliferation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, yet empirical studies quantifying the extent of this problem remain scarce. This gap limits the ability of regulatory agencies to design targeted interventions that could stem the tide of fake drugs in this key commercial hub. Furthermore, the low level of awareness among consumers and vendors in YABA about the dangers of fake drugs exacerbates the problem. Many buyers lack the knowledge or means to verify drug authenticity, increasing their vulnerability to purchasing substandard products (Eze et al., 2023). Concurrently, vendors often operate with limited training and weak regulatory oversight, which undermines their capacity to ensure product quality and safety. The consequences of fake drug consumption are dire. Patients risk ineffective treatment outcomes, adverse reactions, prolonged illness, and even death (Nwokike et al., 2020). Beyond health implications, counterfeit drugs contribute to economic losses for legitimate manufacturers and the national health sector (Okechukwu & Eze, 2021). Despite these known risks, there remains an inadequate body of research focusing specifically on the operational dynamics and prevalence of counterfeit drugs in patent medicine stores in YABA market, impeding evidence-based policymaking. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The study aims to: 1. Assess the prevalence of fake drugs in patent medicine stores within YABA market. 2. Examine the level of awareness and knowledge of patent medicine vendors regarding counterfeit drugs. 3. Identify the factors that facilitate the circulation and sale of fake drugs in YABA market. 4. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing regulatory mechanisms and pharmacovigilance practices in controlling counterfeit drugs in the market. 1.4 Research Questions 1. What is the prevalence of fake drugs in patent medicine stores in YABA market? 2. How knowledgeable are patent medicine vendors about counterfeit drugs and their dangers? 3. What factors contribute to the circulation and sale of fake drugs in YABA market? 4. How effective are current regulatory and pharmacovigilance measures in detecting and controlling counterfeit drugs in the market? 1.5 Research Hypotheses H1: There is a significant prevalence of fake drugs in patent medicine stores in YABA market. H2: There is a positive association between vendor awareness and the reduction of fake drug circulation in patent medicine stores. 1.6 Significance of the Study This study will contribute to the professional body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the scale and dynamics of counterfeit drug circulation in a major Nigerian market, filling a critical research gap highlighted by recent scholars (Chukwuemeka et al., 2023). It will offer insights to pharmaceutical and healthcare professionals on vulnerabilities in the drug supply chain at the informal retail level, informing better training and engagement strategies. For health providers and regulatory agencies, the findings will provide actionable data to refine inspection, monitoring, and enforcement policies, strengthening pharmacovigilance systems in informal markets (World Health Organization, 2022). The study will underscore the need for enhanced collaboration between regulators and patent medicine vendors to safeguard public health. At the societal level, the study’s recommendations will raise consumer awareness and promote informed drug purchasing behaviors, reducing the health risks associated with fake drugs. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality related to counterfeit pharmaceuticals in Nigeria. 1.7 Scope of the Study This study focuses on patent medicine stores located within YABA market, Lagos State State, targeting vendors and consumers involved in the purchase and sale of pharmaceutical products. The variables studied include the prevalence of fake drugs, vendor knowledge and practices, factors facilitating fake drug circulation, and the effectiveness of regulatory and pharmacovigilance measures. The population comprises registered and unregistered patent medicine vendors operating within the market and consumers who patronize these stores. The study’s geographical scope is confined to YABA urban area to ensure focused and context-specific analysis. 1.8 Operational Definitions Fake Drugs: Pharmaceuticals that are deliberately mislabeled regarding identity or source, often containing incorrect or no active ingredients, leading to ineffectiveness or harm (WHO, 2021). Patent Medicine Stores: Informal retail outlets licensed or unlicensed, primarily engaged in the sale of over-the-counter medications without formal pharmaceutical oversight. Pharmacovigilance: The science and activities related to detecting, assessing, understanding, and preventing adverse drug effects or other drug-related problems (WHO, 2022). Prevalence: The proportion or rate at which fake drugs are found or sold within the patent medicine stores in YABA market.