NECO English Language 2022 Theory — Question 2

Model answer

THE MENACE OF FAKE DRUGS IN THE SOCIETY The word "menace" denotes a possible source of danger or harm. The business of fake drugs is a lucrative crime that is increasing annually worldwide. Its results are therapeutic failure, drug resistance and economic sabotage. Some of the major causes of widespread drug counterfeiting include corruption, inadequate technology for protection of the identity of genuine drugs, as well as lack of political will, including lack of vigilance and advocacy by healthcare providers. The counterfeiting of many different products is on the rise globally today. Items counterfeited include documents, currency, software and electronics among others; however, no other product has as much capacity to kill consumers as illegal pharmaceuticals. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines counterfeit drugs as those that have been deliberately mislabeled with respect to identity. The products can include incorrect ingredients or can be manufactured under circumstances that lack quality control. Fake drugs in Nigeria for instance include expired drugs that are relabeled, drugs issued without complete manufacturing information and drugs that are not registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). In November 2008, thirty-four Nigerian children aged between four months and three years died and more than fifty were hospitalized with severe kidney damage after taking My Pikin, a teething mixture containing paracetamol. The injuries were due to the use of diethylene as a solvent for the paracetamol; diethylene was present because of inadvertent or deliberate substitution of propylene glycol, a less toxic compound than diethylene which is widely used in pharmaceutical industries. The actual prevalence of fake drugs is difficult to ascertain, partly due to the failure of the majority of member nations in the World Health Organisation to report instances of fake drugs occurring in their countries. Fake drugs is an underground business that often comes to light only when death occurs. The extent of the severity of the problem varies widely between countries. According to a recent estimate by the World Health Organisation, about ten percent of drugs circulating worldwide and twenty five percent in less developed countries are fake. Africa and some parts of Asia are the most affected regions followed by Latin American countries. The dangers of fake drugs are numerous, just to mention a few of them. First and foremost, we start with heart seizure. Fake drugs cause heart seizure. The result is the shaking of arms and legs at the onset of the event as the brain stops receiving blood and oxygen from the heart. The victim is never awake and needs immediate help. If nothing is done, the victim dies within minutes. Secondly, fake drugs can cause fake stroke. When an individual consumes fake drugs, such an individual may experience convulsion, slur of words or have difficulty understanding speech. Paralysis or numbness of the face, arms and legs are consequences of consuming fake drugs. Moreover, mental confusion is another danger of consuming fake drugs. This is a condition in which one suffers mental disorder which is characterised by disturbance in individual cognition. It is usually associated with distress or impairment of important areas of functioning. In addition, fake drugs cause brain damage. Brain damage happens when one consumes fake drugs in relation to cardiovascular medications, antibiotics, cancer drugs, treatment of chronic ailments like HIV, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease. Fatigue, sleep seizure, chronic headache, dizziness and hearing problems are other harmful effects of consuming fake drugs. In conclusion, efforts must be made to stop fake drugs in the society. This is because of its dire consequences on individuals and a nation as a whole. In Nigeria for instance, the activities of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should be intensified to put an end to the supply of fake drugs. Also, citizens should be sensitized on the danger of consuming fake drugs.