Fight against counterfeit medicines: Kaolack stakeholders mobilized for battle

Kaolack is mobilizing for the first edition of the National Week Against Counterfeit Medicines. To this end, a regional development committee (CRD) has brought together stakeholders and authorities for awareness-raising and action.

Chaired by the deputy governor in charge of development, Mamadou Habib Camara, the CRD (Regional Development Council) brought together stakeholders, including health professionals, administrative authorities and community representatives, to coordinate efforts for this campaign which will take place from November 22 to 27, 2026.

Dr. Sokhna Mouminatou Mbacké Kébé, coordinator of the Central region of the Senegalese Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (ASRP), emphasized that this initiative is part of a long-standing fight against a global scourge threatening public health. "Although significant progress has been made in recent decades, particularly in reducing the sale of uncontrolled medicines on the street, challenges remain, especially in Kaolack, known as a hub for the circulation of counterfeit drugs."

The objectives of this national week include raising public awareness about the dangers of counterfeit medicines and promoting facilities recognized by the Ministry of Health. Enforcement, monitoring, surveillance, and awareness campaigns will be implemented, with a particular focus on working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including religious and community leaders.

In Kaolack, which is a crossroads area, quantities of counterfeit medicines have been seized since the implementation, in June 2025, of regulatory measures including regular inspections within public and private structures, as well as market surveillance aimed at detecting any adverse effects and ensuring the quality of pharmaceutical products, according to Dr. Kébé.