The Bayelsa government has warned of rising cases of liver, kidney, and lung diseases caused by fake drugs, drinks, and cosmetics flooding markets.
The Bayelsa Government has raised alarm over the influx of fake drugs, drinks, and cosmetics in markets, warning that they are fueling liver, kidney, and lung diseases.
Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Mr Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, described the situation as a “serious emergency” and disclosed that agencies, including the Ministries of Health and Environment, have begun enforcement.
“Environmental Sanitation Authority is already in court with some of the people who are selling these fake drugs, fake drinks and other fake items and those fake goods were confiscated,” she said.
Koku-Obiyai, a trained nurse, linked the rise in chronic illnesses to substandard products, stressing that harmful chemicals in fake goods affect vital organs.
She urged residents to check expiry dates, NAFDAC numbers, and report suspicious products, warning that extremely cheap prices should raise concerns.
“The creams we use, once applied to the skin, are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. We need to alert our people,” she added.