Fake medicines, including cough syrup and fake antimalarials, cause nearly half a million deaths in sub-Saharan Africa annually. 

UN and Sahelian nations are collaborating to halt the flow of fake medicines at borders and hold culprits accountable. 

Limited healthcare access leads to reliance on illegal market medicines & Corruption facilitates the flourishing of the illegal medicine trade. 

Traffickers employ sophisticated methods, including collaboration with pharmacists and online platforms.

 Strengthening law enforcement, judiciary, and regulation is vital to protect the legal supply chain whereas Cooperation, capacity-building, and public awareness are essential in combating the trade and ensuring people's safety.