Fake Drugs: Making a Case For Whistleblowing Policy in Anambra

By Prince Chris Azor

One recently woke up to the unpalatable news “NAFDAC Evacuates 50 Truckloads Of Counterfeit Drugs From Onitsha Drug Market, Recovers Rifles”

Above was a closing episode of an operation by the regulatory agency which began on February 10 this year.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), a regulatory agency of the federal government which spoke through its
South-East Zonal Director, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, reassured the public that the operation would continue as a national mission to protect public health, the report said.

This should ordinarily be a cause of serious concern and worry for the government and citizens of Anambra State.

We make bold to say that the ugly trend is way beyond drug and pharmaceutical products. It regrettably cuts across various foods, nutrition, drinks and beverages.

We, as Civil Society, have ceaselessly advocated for a whistleblowing and whistleblower policy in Anambra State to promptly report these unwholesome practices for desired action. However, without the required authority buy in.

To effectively combat the proliferation of adulteration, crime, and other societal vices in Anambra State, leveraging current profiling efforts of the State government, adopting a robust whistleblowing and whistleblower protection policy can be a strategic game-changer.

There’s urgent need to establish a Comprehensive Whistleblowing Policy, create a Legal Framework, enact legislation that outlines clear whistleblowing processes, defines protected disclosures, and guarantees anonymity and protection from retaliation and persecution.

This framework should cover sectors prone to vices (health, education, information, security, commerce, infrastructure, governance, traditional/religious practices, genera goods and services etc.).

Set up communication channels, confidential and independent platforms (hotlines, mobile apps, and online portals) for citizens to report activities such as,
production/distribution of fake and expired drugs/beverages, ritual practices linked to crime (e.g., Okeite, Ezenwanyi), illegal and criminal activities by native doctors, religious practioners, counterfeit products and other criminal activities.

The State government should strengthen Protection for Whistleblowers, anonymity & Confidentiality; ensure all reports are handled discreetly to protect the identity of whistleblowers.

There’s also need to implement strong legal safeguards against victimization or harassment of whistleblowers (e.g., job loss, threats and intimidation).

Establish Witness Protection Programme for high-risk cases, provide physical protection, relocation, or identity change for whistleblowers,
financial rewards in monetary incentives for verified reports leading to successful convictions or the prevention of criminal acts.

Public Awareness/ Community Engagement is advocated through Mass Sensitization Campaigns, engaging the Media (radio, TV, social media), Civil Society to educate the public on how to recognize and report vices and criminal activities.

Partner and Engage genuine Traditional/ Religious Leaders and Stakeholders to build trust and encourage participation in reporting illegal practices.
Mobilize youth groupsband Community Based Organizations to serve as community watchdogs through structured programmes.

Establish task teams involving health, food and nutrition agencies, security, Civic groups and traditional institutions to swiftly respond to whistleblower information.

Implement a centralized database for profiling and tracking offenders.

Enhance administration & Accountability,
swift Investigation & prosecution to ensure that reported cases are investigated promptly and prosecuted without political interference.

Conduct routine checks on sectors prone to adulteration (e.g., pharmaceutical supply chains, beverages, medical and herbal practices etc).

Feedback Mechanism: Keep whistleblowers informed of the outcomes of their reports to build confidence in the system.

Leverage Technology for Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

Use blockchain technology or secure digital systems to trace and authenticate drug distribution.

Utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) for data analysis to detect patterns of crime and illegal activities.

Surveillance Networks: Enhance CCTV and digital monitoring in high-risk areas to support whistleblower information.

When operationalized, these interventions would post desired Outcomes in a well-implemented whistleblowing and protection policy in Anambra State, deter criminal activities through increased surveillance and reporting. Build public trust and cooperation with government institutions, improve public health and safety by curbing the circulation of fake drugs and other harmful products, while maintaining security and general wellbeing of citizens.