Pharmaware Solutions: Ticking Boxes on the SDGs
Article by: Thuto Sebotsi
The fight against counterfeit medicines is more than just a public health issue—it’s a global mission that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals, adopted by all UN member states, provide a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. Through our initiative to promote awareness and educate the public about counterfeit medicines.
Why SDGs Matters
The SDGs are a call to action for everyone—governments, businesses, and individuals alike. By addressing the issue of counterfeit medicines, we are not only protecting public health but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. Every step we take, from educating a single individual to collaborating with global organizations, brings us closer to achieving these goals.
Pharmaware Solutions Contribution to the SDG:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
Counterfeit medicines pose a direct threat to public health, often failing to treat diseases or causing harmful side effects. By empowering people with knowledge about how to identify and avoid fake drugs, we are helping to ensure that everyone has access to safe and effective medicines.
Our Contribution:
- Educating the public on how to spot counterfeit medicines.
- Promoting the use of verified and regulated pharmaceutical sources.
- Collaborating with health authorities to report and remove fake drugs from circulation.
SDG 4: Quality Education
Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.
Education is at the heart of our initiative. By providing accessible and engaging information about counterfeit medicines, we are equipping individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health.
Our Contribution:
- Creating easy-to-understand educational content
- Hosting events online and in- person to raise awareness about medicines quality and safety.
- Collaborating with various stakeholders and community organizations to spread the message.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
Combating counterfeit medicines requires innovation and collaboration across industries. From the use of technology to track drug supply chains to AI-powered tools for detecting fake drugs, technology plays a crucial role in this fight.
Our Contribution:
- Highlighting the role of technology in preventing counterfeit medicines.
- Advocating for stronger regulations and better infrastructure to secure pharmaceutical supply chains.
- Supporting research and development of new tools to combat fake drugs.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Target 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting.
Counterfeit medicines are often produced in unregulated, environmentally harmful ways. By promoting the use of legitimate, responsibly produced medicines, we are supporting sustainable consumption and production practices.
Our Contribution:
- Encouraging consumers to buy medicines from licensed and ethical sources.
- Raising awareness about the environmental and social impact of counterfeit drug production.
- Collaborating with pharmaceutical companies to promote transparency and sustainability.
- Encourage reporting of health products of unsafe or low quality products to relevant manufacturers and the regulatory body, the South African Health Products Regulatory authority (SAHPRA).
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development.
The fight against counterfeit medicines is a global effort that requires collaboration between governments, organizations, and individuals. Through partnerships, we can amplify our impact and work toward a common goal.
Our Contribution:
- Collaborating with health authorities, NGOs, and international organizations like the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- Building a network of advocates and educators to spread awareness.
- Sharing resources and best practices with other initiatives working toward similar goals.
Join us in our mission to combat counterfeit medicines and contribute to the SDGs. Here is how you can help:
- Educate Yourself Though Our Various Resources And Channels: Learn how to spot counterfeit medicines and share this knowledge with others.
- Empower Through Supporting Legitimate Sources: Always buy medicines from licensed pharmacies and verified online retailers.
- Promote Safety By Spreading The Word: Share our articles, quizzes, and resources to raise awareness about this critical issue.
Together, we can make a difference—promoting health and safety, one lesson at a time.
Learn More About Counterfeit Medicines and the SDGs:
- SAHPRA: Reporting Substandard or Falsified Medicines :- Medsafety X SAHPRA
- UN SDGs :- https://sdgs.un.org/
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Global Surveillance and Monitoring System :- Substandard and falsified medical products
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