South Africa Leads Africa with Launch of First National Action Plan Against Fake Medicines
In a groundbreaking step to protect public health, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has reaffirmed his department’s dedication to ensuring all medicines, vaccines, and health products meet top standards of safety, effectiveness, and quality. This commitment was highlighted at the launch of Africa’s first comprehensive National Action Plan aimed at fighting substandard and falsified medical products, held at the Protea Hotel OR Tambo Airport in Kempton Park, Gauteng, on Tuesday, 30 September 2025. The initiative puts South Africa at the forefront of the continent’s battle against fake and poor-quality medicines, which pose a deadly threat to millions. Motsoaledi stressed that this plan is vital for saving lives and building stronger health systems.
The World Health Organisation estimates that these bogus products cause many deaths worldwide each year, often going unnoticed. In Africa, where a large share of such items circulate, this issue hits hard, making South Africa’s move a timely and bold response. By bringing together government, regulators, and partners, the plan aims to create a safer environment for everyone relying on healthcare.
A United Front Against a Growing Threat
The National Action Plan was developed by a team of stakeholders following WHO guidelines from a draft handbook pilot. This launch marks the end of the testing phase, paving the way for the WHO to roll it out to other countries. Motsoaledi called substandard and falsified products a danger to both individual lives and the trust in health systems everywhere. “Substandard and falsified medical products are a threat to individual lives and the integrity of health systems globally,” he said.
He pointed out that a big chunk of these fake items found around the world end up in Africa, creating major worries for public health. This not only risks lives but also slows down goals like Sustainable Development Goal 3, which pushes for health access for all. The Minister thanked the WHO for picking South Africa for this chance and said the country is ready to share its work at a global meeting in Geneva in November 2025.
Building Capacity and Collaboration
The plan sets up a framework to spot and stop fake medicines through teamwork across sectors. It focuses on boosting skills and working together among those who make, bring in, share, and supply health products. Motsoaledi stressed the need for everyone in the chain—especially at key spots in both public and private sectors—to know how to spot and report dodgy items to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. “All actors within the supply chain, particularly at key pinch points in both the public and private sectors, must be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and equipment to identify and report suspicious products to SAHPRA. All activities should mitigate the risk of SFMP. This includes increased vigilance at ports of entry, through to post-market surveillance of high-risk products, inspection of manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers.”
This approach puts communities and fairness at the centre, making sure no one gets left behind as new tools and treatments come along. The SAHPRA, working with the Department of Health and WHO, led the launch, showing how joint efforts can tackle big threats.
A Call from the Continent: Concerns Raised at African Union Meeting
Motsoaledi shared that at the Fifth Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Health, Population, Nutrition, and Drug Control in Ethiopia last year, leaders voiced deep worries about the rise of fake medicines across Africa. He said this not only endangers health but also causes big money losses for countries. “The number of incidents involving SFMP reported from Africa through the WHO Global Surveillance Monitoring System has been increasing over the years.”
He brought up a sad case from October 2022, where kids in Gambia died from tainted medicines, showing the real human cost. South Africa’s plan aims to stop such tragedies by being proactive and team-based.
Honouring the Milestone: Gratitude and Future Steps
Motsoaledi wrapped up by saying the launch is a big win for keeping South Africa’s health system strong and trustworthy. “The launch represents a milestone in protecting the integrity of South Africa’s health system and medicines supply chain. The network that strives to protect public health by sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices for the betterment of our health system.”
He thanked the WHO for choosing South Africa and said the country is geared up to show this work at the 14th Member State Mechanism on Sustainable Financing in Geneva next month. This positions South Africa as a leader, sharing lessons to help others fight the same threat.
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