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NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians About Counterfeit HIV Test Kits in Circulation


By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola




 In a recent public alert, the National Agency For Food And Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) disclosed that fake and unregistered versions of the VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease Test Kit are being distributed through unauthorised channels. The warning followed information from Euro Specs International Nigeria Limited, the authorised marketing representative of the product in Nigeria, which raised concerns about the presence of the falsified kits in the market.

The authentic VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease Test Kit is a rapid diagnostic tool designed to detect advanced HIV infection by identifying low CD4 cell counts. It provides results within about 40 minutes using a blood sample and is particularly useful in areas with limited laboratory infrastructure.

NAFDAC explained that while the genuine product is manufactured by AccuBio Ltd in Scotland and duly registered in Nigeria with Registration Number A3-100-153, the counterfeit version falsely lists Omega Diagnostics Ltd as the manufacturer and does not carry a valid NAFDAC registration number. The agency noted that the fake kits are being circulated by an unidentified distributor.

According to the regulator, unregistered and counterfeit medical products pose serious health risks because they have not undergone evaluation for safety, quality, or effectiveness. It therefore urged healthcare providers, medical distributors, and the general public to source diagnostic kits only from approved and authorised suppliers.

NAFDAC has directed its zonal and state offices to step up surveillance and remove any fake or unregistered kits found in the market. It also urged healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers to be vigilant, buy only from authorised sources, and report any suspicious products.

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