The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is sounding the alarm, urging Nigerians to report any adverse reactions or side effects from medicines, vaccines, cosmetics, and other regulated products. This call to action is pitched as a critical move to safeguard public health, suggesting that the safety of these products might not be as guaranteed as we once thought.

Esther Itua, NAFDAC's Edo State Coordinator, recently highlighted the agency's efforts in a statement, bringing attention to the MedSafety App and other digital platforms designed to make reporting easier for the public. 

“I am calling on Nigerians to report the adverse effects of drugs, cosmetics, or other regulated products through the e-reporting portal on the NAFDAC website or by using the MedSafety App,” Itua proclaimed. She urges citizens to act quickly, stressing that every report is acknowledged by NAFDAC and funneled directly to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre. 

In her remarks, Itua emphasized that everyone shares the responsibility of pharmacovigilance, not just healthcare professionals. This raises questions: How many people are actually aware of what to report? Are we prepared to handle the potential flood of reports? “If you use drugs, we encourage you to report any unusual signs or feelings after use,” she insisted. But is this realistic for the average citizen?

She went on to clarify that pharmacovigilance isn’t limited to conventional medicine; it encompasses herbal products, cosmetics, medical devices, and more. This broad definition begs the question: Are we really equipped to monitor the safety of such a wide array of products? Itua stresses that strong pharmacovigilance systems are crucial for enhancing drug safety and boosting patient confidence, but can this really be achieved without proper education and public engagement?

The recent sensitization program aimed to educate the public about reporting adverse effects, but skepticism lingers about its effectiveness. While experts were present to share their knowledge, the real question remains: Are Nigerians fully aware of the risks they face? Itua thanked Edesili Okpebholo Anani, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Edo State, for their support, which she claims highlights that NAFDAC is on the right path. But is this truly the right direction, or just a step toward a false sense of security?

As NAFDAC pushes forward with its campaign for public health safety, it’s crucial for all Nigerians to engage in pharmacovigilance. By reporting adverse reactions, citizens can play a role in creating a safer healthcare environment,if they can navigate the complexities of the system.