Innovation - Compassion - Health

💊 Street Medicines in Côte d’Ivoire: A Hidden Health Threat

🚧 Introduction: A Widespread Yet Dangerous Practice

Across many cities and villages in Côte d’Ivoire, it’s common to see drug vendors operating on roadsides, in markets, or from makeshift stalls. These so-called “street medicines” are sold without prescriptions and often at low prices, making them attractive to many.

However, these products represent a major threat to public health.

❓ Why Are Street Medicines So Popular?

Several factors explain their widespread use:

• Extremely low cost compared to official pharmacies

• Easy access — no prescription, no travel required

• Lack of awareness about the associated risks

• Distrust in formal healthcare systems

⚠️ What Are the Risks?

Consuming street medicines exposes users to multiple serious dangers, including:

• Expired, counterfeit, or poorly stored products

• Inaccurate dosages, leading to overdose or ineffectiveness

• Severe or fatal side effects

• Increased antibiotic resistance

• Delayed diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 42% of counterfeit medicines are detected in Africa, causing thousands of deaths each year (WHO Report 2025).
The Ivorian Ministry of Health has also issued repeated warnings about the serious health risks of this illegal practice (Government Reports 2022–2024).

📍 Case Study: Yopougon

In Yopougon, one of Abidjan’s largest communes, awareness campaigns revealed that nearly 60% of residents had purchased street medicines at least once.
Many reported side effects, worsened conditions, or complications due to inappropriate or delayed treatments.

🔍 How Can We Fight This Public Health Threat?

Here are some key actions:

• Strengthen enforcement against illegal medicine sales

• Educate communities through media, schools, and local outreach

• Improve access and affordability of medicines in licensed pharmacies

• Promote the pharmacist’s role as a trusted health advisor

💬 Conclusion: Protect Your Health, Say No to Street Drugs

Fighting the spread of street medicines is a collective responsibility.
At Pharmacie Bethy, we are committed to protecting the health of Ivorians. We encourage everyone to buy only from licensed pharmacies and consult professionals for safe, reliable medical advice.

Your health has no price — but it has rules. Let’s follow them together.

📍 Need help or advice? Visit your pharmacy — we’re here for you.

📚 Sources

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Report on substandard and falsified medical products (Jan. 2025)
  🔗 WHO Report PDF

• Ministry of Health – Côte d’Ivoire – Official statements on the fight against counterfeit medicines (2022–2024)
  🔗 sante.gouv.ci – News & Alerts

Pharmacie Bethy