Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | The National Drug Authority (NDA) has reported the discovery of counterfeit Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines circulating on the Ugandan market.
Mr. Abiaz Rwamwiri, the spokesperson for NDA, revealed that the counterfeit FMD vaccines were identified during a post-market surveillance operation conducted by NDA officials in Kampala.
The unauthorized vaccines include the Purified FMD Fotivax Foot and Mouth Disease inactivated vaccine, as well as the National Veterinary Institute Foot and Mouth Disease Board Spectrum Vaccine.
According to Mr. Rwamwiri, these counterfeit drugs should not be available for purchase in the market.
“These products have not undergone NDA’s approval processes and therefore, we can’t guarantee their safety, quality and efficacy,” Mr. Abiaz Rwamwiri said.
In light of this discovery, the National Drug Authority (NDA) has issued a reminder to the public that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines are exclusively procured and imported by the government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.
The NDA emphasized that the distribution of all FMD vaccines is solely managed by the district local governments through their respective district veterinary offices.
This clarification aims to ensure the public’s awareness of the authorized channels for acquiring and distributing FMD vaccines, reinforcing the importance of adherence to established procedures.
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“We call upon the public to be vigilant especially in this period of FMD outbreak in some parts of the country and report anyone suspected to be involved in drug related crimes,” NDA said.
This revelation comes at a critical time as the country grapples with a quarantine imposed by the Ministry of Agriculture. The quarantine is in effect in 32 districts where Foot and Mouth disease has been detected.
The restrictions imposed by the quarantine significantly limit the movement of livestock and related products within and outside the affected districts, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
This week, the Cabinet approved government’s move to procure 10 million doses of FMD vaccine to scale up ring vaccination in both affected and high-risk neighboring districts.
