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WHO: 10% of Medicines in Poor Nations Are Fake

3/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A startling World Health Organization study reveals that 10% of medicines in low- and middle-income countries are either substandard or counterfeit. With these nations pouring around $30.5 billion each year into fake drugs, often sold online or in informal markets, the health risks are alarming—especially in the Philippines, where the crisis is particularly acute.

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Story summary

A startling World Health Organization study reveals that 10% of medicines in low- and middle-income countries are either substandard or counterfeit. With these nations pouring around $30.5 billion each year into fake drugs, often sold online or in informal markets, the health risks are alarming—especially in the Philippines, where the crisis is particularly acute.