The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the sale and distribution of fake Kiss condoms in a number of local markets, citing this as a major public health issue.  

According to the agency, the alarm was prompted by information from DKT International Nigeria, a non-governmental organization that promotes family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention, and contraception social marketing.  

Fake Kiss condoms have reportedly been discovered in key commercial hubs, such as Onitsha Market, Idumota Market, Trade Fair Market, and marketplaces in Kano, Abuja, Uyo, Gombe, Enugu, and other places across the country, according to NAFDAC.

Male latex condoms under the Kiss Condom brand are intended to assist avoid unintended pregnancy and provide protection against STDs like syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV.  Falsified versions of the product do not provide the same level of protection, NAFDAC warned.

“The use of fake condoms poses serious health risks due to poor quality, lack of sterilisation and absence of regulation,” the agency said. “This can lead to ineffective protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.”

NAFDAC described how consumers may tell the difference between authentic and fake Kiss condoms in a comprehensive advisory.  

It clarified that original items have well-defined packaging images, storage and caution information, maker and distributor addresses, medical device information, and clear usage directions.  

Fake goods, on the other hand, frequently have darker or uneven packaging, missing or wrong addresses, inadequate manufacturer details, a lack of cautionary text, subpar printing, and inconsistent barcode tracking, according to the agency.

Source