Prevalence of substandard, falsified, unlicensed and unregistered medicine and its associated factors in Africa: a systematic review

Abstract

Substandard, falsified, and unregistered medicines are highly prevalent in Africa, and attention has not been paid to the problem. Antibiotics, antimalarial, anthelmintic, and antiprotozoal are the most commonly reported substandard, falsified, and unregistered medicines. A consistent supply of high-quality products, enhancement of registration, market regulatory permission, and importation standards are essential to counter the problems in Africa. Preventing these problems is the primary duty of every responsible nation to save lives.