Published September 01, 2023 / Public health
Climate change and Health crisis: in the run-up to COP28, the Brazzaville Foundation warns of the increase in trafficking fake medicines

Present in Botswana at the 73rd session of the World Health Organization's regional committee for Africa, the Brazzaville Foundation began to alert its interlocutors to the potential upsurge in counterfeit medicines linked to emerging diseases as a result of climate change.
Richard Amalvy, Chief Executive of the Brazzaville Foundation, talks to Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Africa Regional Director, at the end of the 73rd session of the WHO Africa Regional Committee, © Brazzaville Foundation.
At the opening of the 73rd session of the WHO Regional Committee, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the organisation, confirmed that climate change is exacerbating Africa's health problems: "The climate crisis is a health crisis, which is why I encourage member states to actively participate in COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, which will feature a day dedicated to health for the first time", said Dr. Tedros, who continued his plea as follows: "Health systems are increasingly confronted with the consequences of climate change in terms of communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as the impact of more frequent and severe extreme weather conditions".
At the end of the meeting, while chatting with Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director, Richard Amalvy, Chief Executive of the Brazzaville Foundation echoed Dr. Tedros: "The consequences of climate change are exposing African patients to the threat of falsified and substandard medical products. COVID-19 highlighted the adaptability of organisations criminals in readjusting their activities faster than policy-makers, legislators and those who implement their decisions. We have to anticipate."
A prospective note on this subject was shared for advice during the 73rd session of the WHO Regional Committee with members of the Lomé Initiative. To anticipate this new threat, Brazzaville Foundation will launch an alert during COP28 in Dubai, aimed at health and environmental stakeholders, as well as all those involved in the fight against falsified and substandard medicines.
On 11 September, the Brazzaville Foundation representatives will visit the WHO Africa regional office in Brazzaville for a working meeting on cooperation between the two parties. The terms of the alert will be on the agenda.
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