Fake drugs: a global overdose

This week in Health, we shine a spotlight on the worldwide ring of counterfeit medication.

HEALTH

By Mairead DUNDAS

Globalisation and the e-commerce explosion have revolutionised the way fake drugs arrive in Europe. Since its creation in 1998, Viagra became the most counterfeited drug in the world. We head to the French border with Switzerland, where customs officials have been tracking the famous little blue pill.

Next, an undercover report in China reveals how fake drugs are being sold in real pharmacies. Our correspondents in Beijing follow an activist who spends his days trying to expose this highly sophisticated market.

And finally, we take a look at high-tech solutions to counter the illegal trade. Ghana benefits from a detection system, using just a barcode and a mobile phone.

Mairead Dundas

Presenter

13/05/2012 - HEALTH

Globesity: Weighing up the options

The French might be renowned for their slim figures, but in reality, France is catching up with the United States. One in two adults is overweight and the situation in France now resembles that of the US twenty years ago. We weigh up efforts to beat globesity – a new term that describes the growing global health problem.

29/04/2012 - HEALTH

A combat worth fighting for

With less than 100 days until the Olympics kick off in London, we take a look at the health consequences of some of the combat sports that will be featuring in the Games.

15/04/2012 - HEALTH

Alcoholism: the curse of the craving

When does a "harmless" drink before dinner become a "harmful" addiction? This week we take a closer look at the curse of alcoholism and efforts to curb its impact.

01/04/2012 - HEALTH

Allergy Alert

Allergies come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us sneeze constantly in the presence of cats, others can’t stomach peanuts. This week we check out a new hayfever treatment, allergy-free peanuts and illegal, allergy-inducing henna.

18/03/2012 - HEALTH

In Deep Water

This week we're at the 6th World Water Forum in Marseille to find out how leaders, decision-makers and volunteers are searching for solutions to ensure safe drinking water for everyone, the world over.

(1) comment

Comments (6)

diebetic foot ulcers

by Anonyme - 28/11/2011 - 00:29

Any clinical trials done to safe a toe, a leg, etc. affecting a diebetic patient?

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Streaning Video Accessible Now

by Anonyme - 14/09/2011 - 16:10

Thank you for the change that made the streaming video accessible today. Excellent story on a problem with impact across Europe, Asia and Africa.

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access denied

by Anonyme - 11/09/2011 - 14:32

I also am receiving this screen--on further trying it appears like the link up will be made, but the indicator just keeps spinning around. Would really like to see this story.