The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians about the illegal sale and distribution of an unregistered brand of c%ndoms in Nigeria.
The agency in a statement on Thursday said officials from the Post-Marketing Surveillance directorate discovered Foula c%ndoms (packaged in threes) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State.
“The c%ndom is not registered by NAFDAC for use in Nigeria, and the labelling of the product is not in the English Language.
C%ndoms are a proven effective barrier method that can be used as a dual-purpose method for both prevention of unintended pregnancy and protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. To be most effective, any barrier method used for contraception or preventing infection must be used correctly.
The purchase and use of poor-quality c%ndoms will adversely affect every aspect of c%ndom promotion for the prevention of unintended pregnancy, and protection against HIV and other S+xually Transmitted Infections. If c%ndoms leak or break, they cannot offer adequate protection.
All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the unregistered products within the zones and states. Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and consumers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid importing, distributing, selling, and using illegally distributed products.
“All medical products/ medical devices must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked. Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office,” the statement reads.
