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LAGOS (Reuters). Startups are working in Nigeria to combat counterfeit drugs. Nigeria is Africa’s largest country and the rate of false drugs there contributes significantly to many deaths each year.

According to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control(NAFDAC), the most common counterfeit drugs are those for pain and anti-malaria.

In partnership with startups, the agency has developed stickers that contain unique codes for distributors and manufacturers to attach to pills boxes. Apps on smartphones allow consumers to quickly scan and verify the codes.

Chekkit Technologies in Lagos offers a mobile app that allows users to confirm authenticity as well as enables them to view the number of customers who have used their products.

Dare Odumade, the founder of Dare Odumade’s company told Reuters that manufacturers have also been able discover side effects and potential side effects in their products based on consumer reviews.

Kingsley Ejiofor is NAFDAC’s director of enforcement and investigation directorate. He stated that in the last three years, the agency had seized $2 trillion worth of counterfeit drug. That’s a total of $4.8 billion.

According to him, tracking apps are increasing confidence among consumers.

We currently have around 200 counterfeit medicines at ports that are scheduled to be destroyed. You can only imagine how many people could have been killed by these fake drugs,” Ejiofor explained, adding that China had the largest supply of counterfeit medicines.

Chinedum Chijioke, the managing director of Sproxil Africa (a mobile authentication company), stated that the app allows users to verify the authenticity and purchase products.

Biofem Industries imports drugs. They use Sproxil technology which helps create a visible supply chain.

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