Ouagadougou: The National Order of Pharmacists of Burkina Faso (ONPBF) on Thursday commended the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) for their effective execution of the “LADELI” operation, which targeted illicit trafficking, specifically focusing on counterfeit medicines in certain markets.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ONPBF expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the operation, acknowledging that the security forces’ interventions successfully dismantled networks posing threats to public health. The Order emphasized that counterfeit medicines are a “silent poison” that endanger the population’s health and undermine the security of the Burkinabe health system.

Dr. Nao Nedie, president of the ONPBF, conveyed gratitude on behalf of the pharmaceutical community to the FDS for their dedication. He reiterated the Order’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with relevant authorities, increasing awareness efforts, and advocating for access to quality medicines available only in pharmacies and authorized facilities.

The Order urged the public to refrain from purchasing medicines from street vendors and to “trust the pharmacist, local health advisor.” The ONPBF also pledged ongoing cooperation with public authorities to combat this trafficking and ensure the health protection of Burkinabe citizens.