Connectnigeria Articles

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), almost 500,000 are killed every year in sub-Saharan Africa by fake medicines. Counterfeit drugs are a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with studies indicating that a significant percentage of medications in circulation are either substandard or falsified. This alarming trend poses a significant threat to public health in Nigeria, leading to countless health complications and numerous preventable deaths annually.

Read more about Health

One of the important initiatives the late Dora Akunyili is remembered for during her time as NAFDAC DG was her untiring war against counterfeit and fake drugs in Nigeria. According to her Wikipedia page, she was reported to have secured convictions for 45 counterfeiters with 56 others pending as of June 2006. Despite her efforts, the threat of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria seems to be on the rise. Today, there is a palpable fear of counterfeit drugs amongst Nigerians that almost everyone seems to want to double-check everything they are buying. To help Nigerians in their attempt to be able to verify the genuineness of the drugs they are buying, Chekkit Technologies Corp. was founded. Chekkit is a Nigerian startup that leverages technology to combat counterfeit medications and ensure the safety of consumers.

How They Began

Founded in 2018 by Dare Odumade and Samuel Ukhueleigbe, Chekkit emerged from a pressing need to tackle the rampant circulation of fake pharmaceuticals in Nigeria. The founders recognized the devastating impact of counterfeit drugs on public health and sought to develop a solution that would empower consumers to verify the authenticity of their medications.

Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter

Chekkit’s Solution

To combat the menace of counterfeit drugs, Chekkit developed a blockchain-powered platform that enables consumers to verify the authenticity of pharmaceutical products. By scanning a unique code on the product packaging using their mobile phones, consumers can instantly confirm whether a drug is genuine or not. This system not only empowers consumers but also provides manufacturers with valuable data on product distribution and consumer engagement. Chekkit’s approach addresses the counterfeit drug problem on multiple fronts:

By providing an easy-to-use verification method, Chekkit empowers consumers to make informed decisions about the medications they purchase, thereby reducing the risk of consuming counterfeit products.
The platform offers manufacturers real-time insights into their product’s journey through the supply chain, helping to identify and address vulnerabilities where counterfeiting may occur.
Data from Chekkit can help manufacturers gain a broader understanding of consumer feedback and distribution, enabling them to make informed decisions to improve product safety and distribution efficiency.

Impact Over the Years

Since its inception, Chekkit has made significant strides in safeguarding public health in Nigeria:

According to the information available on the company’s website, the company has issued over 100 million Unique IDs (UIDs) to pharmaceutical and consumer goods products, ensuring their authenticity for consumers.
Chekkit’s platform has assisted over 1 million vulnerable consumers in Nigeria in verifying the authenticity of their medications, thereby preventing potential health risks associated with counterfeit drugs.
Beyond Nigeria, Chekkit has since 2021 extended its services to countries like Afghanistan, where it has helped over 80,000 individuals verify their medications, demonstrating the scalability and adaptability of its solution.

In recognition of its innovative approach and impact, Chekkit has secured funding from notable investors, including Adverse, to further enhance its technology and expand its reach.

Register to attend the CN Business Mixer

By empowering consumers and enhancing supply chain transparency, Chekkit is playing a highly important role in transforming healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond, ensuring that safe and authentic medications are accessible to all.

Did you find this article useful? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com

You might also like:

This article was first published on 14th March 2025
Notice: Undefined variable: last_modified in /var/www/html/articles/wp-content/themes/cnhalptem/content-single.php on line 36

victor-ifegwu-mbonu

Ifegwu-Mbonu Victor is a Personal Growth and Leadership Trainer who provides training and coaching to individuals and organizations.