The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm over the sale and distribution of unregistered condoms in Nigeria, named Foula, discovered in parts of Katsina and Ebonyin states.
Officials from NAFDAC’s Post-Marketing Surveillance directorate identified Foula condoms (packaged in threes) in Zango, Katsina State, and Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, the agency revealed on Thursday.
NAFDAC explained that “The condom is not registered by NAFDAC for use in Nigeria, and the labeling of the product is not in the English Language.”
The agency emphasised the importance of quality condoms, explaining, “Condoms are a proven effective barrier method that can be used as a dual-purpose method for both prevention of unintended pregnancy and protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
“To be most effective, any barrier method used for contraception or preventing infection must be used correctly.”
NAFDAC warned that unauthorised products pose serious health risks.
“The purchase and use of poor-quality condoms will adversely affect every aspect of condom promotion for the prevention of unintended pregnancy, and protection against HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections. If condoms leak or break, they cannot offer adequate protection,” the agency stated.
In response, NAFDAC has ordered all zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct a “mop up” of the unregistered products.
NAFDAC advises caution, urging, “All medical products/medical devices must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.”
Healthcare professionals and consumers have been encouraged to report any suspicions of substandard products by contacting NAFDAC at 0800-162-3322 or via email atsf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
For reporting adverse effects, they may also use the NAFDAC website or the Med-safety app.