The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned consumers, healthcare professionals and health authorities against an increasing number of fake medical products with claim to prevent, detect, treat or cure COVID-19.

WHO in a statement on Wednesday said the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 has increased demand for medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and reagents – all related to COVID-19.

It noted that the increased demand had created an opportunity for ill-intended persons to distribute falsified medical products.

“Due diligence is required from all actors in the procurement, use and administration of medical products, in particular those affected by the current crisis of, or related to, COVID-19,” WHO said.

WHO said it had received multiple reports regarding falsified in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) and laboratory reagents for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

“To date, eight countries Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Russian, Singapore, Republic of Korea, United States of America have listed IVDs for COVID-19 diagnosis based on expedited regulatory assessments.

“Please note that, in the European Union, regulatory compliance for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics are self-declared by the manufacturer,” it said.

To assist member states and stakeholders, WHO said it has published the links to these emergency lists, together with contact details that provide information on IVDs authorised for use in the jurisdictions of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum, as well as policies and guidance.

It said WHO would provide updated versions as new information becomes available.

“End-users are encouraged to check the labelling against the information posted by regulatory authorities upon listing to ensure they are in possession of the genuine product.

“This information might include product name, product code, expiry date, instructions for use and manufacturer details,” it said. (The Nation)

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