19 Jan 2012

Warning in Solomons about fake malaria drugs

3:39 pm on 19 January 2012

There is a warning that fake antimalarial drugs could potentially endanger the lives of Solomon Islanders.

The Solomon Times says according to a new report published in the Malaria Journal, there has been a dramatic rise in poor-quality and counterfeit antimalarial drugs sold to developing countries.

The report says some of the fake drugs have been traced to China and threaten gains made in fighting malaria.

It warns the drugs could harm patients and lead to drug resistance among malaria parasites.

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services say donor partners are always vigilant, with tests carried out regularly.