NAFDAC Warns of Counterfeit HIV Test Kits in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public about counterfeit HIV diagnostic test kits, specifically the Visitect CD4 Advanced Disease Assay Rapid Diagnostic Test, circulating in Nigeria. This counterfeit version is a parallel import and is unregistered, posing serious health risks.

NAFDAC's public notice, alert number 011/2026, highlights that the counterfeit kits have a shelf life of three years, from August 2024 to January 2027, while the genuine version, approved by NAFDAC, has an 18-month shelf life. The agency has urged healthcare providers and the public to report any adverse drug reactions or side effects through its pharmacovigilance platform.

NAFDAC's zonal director and state coordinators are tasked with surveilling and removing these counterfeit products from circulation. The agency has also noted that although some products are registered, they have not been imported into Nigeria, and counterfeit batches GG3470, LG8659, and GG2440 have been identified as unsafe.