Covid-19: WHO warns of fake Coronavirus cures and treatments

The World Health Organisation has issued a warning for consumers, healthcare professionals and health authorities about a growing number of falsified medical products that claim to prevent, detect, treat or cure Covid-19.

The global pandemic caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 has increased demand for medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and reagents, related to Covid-19.

According to WHO, this has created an opportunity for ill-intended persons to distribute falsified medical products.

The organisation has called on those in the medical field to follow due diligence in the procurement, use and administration of medical products related to Covid-19.

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In a statement, WHO said it has received multiple reports regarding falsified in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) and laboratory reagents for the detection of Covid-19.

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

The European Union, regulatory compliance for Covid-19 diagnostics are self-declared by the manufacturer.

Medical professionals are encouraged to check the labelling against the information posted by regulatory authorities to ensure they are in possession of genuine products.

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A full list of these can be found on https://www.who.int/

This information might include product name, product code, an expiry date, instructions for use and manufacturer details.

At this stage, WHO does not recommend any medicines to treat or cure Covid-19.

There is also currently no vaccine to prevent Covid-19.

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Products claiming to be vaccines to prevent Covid-19 may be considered falsified and may pose significant risks to public health.

Unregulated websites supplying medicines and/or vaccines, particularly those concealing their physical address or landline telephone number, are frequently the source of unlicensed, substandard and falsified medical products.

Medical professionals and consumers should be wary of such online scams and be cautious when purchasing any medical product, whether online or not.

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All medical products must be obtained from authentic and reliable sources.

The authenticity and condition of the product should be carefully checked.

Consumers are advised to seek advice from a healthcare professional in case of doubt.

National health authorities are requested to immediately notify WHO if these falsified products are discovered in their country.

If you have any information concerning the manufacture, distribution, or supply of these products, please contact rapidalert@who.int .

Dear reader,

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