Port-au-Prince, Haiti — Haitian health authorities have issued an urgent nationwide warning after counterfeit vials of tetanus antitoxin were discovered circulating in pharmacies and medical facilities, posing life-threatening risks to patients. The Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) confirmed Thursday that the falsified medicine, labeled as “TETANUS ANTITOXIN” with red and white packaging, lacks critical active ingredients and could lead to treatment failure or severe complications.
Details of the Counterfeit Product
The counterfeit vials, identified by lot number E-634 and an expiration date of June 2027, are packaged in transparent 1ml and 2ml ampoules with English-language labeling. Health officials emphasized that the batch is untraceable in Haiti’s medical supply chain and likely produced illegally.
“This product is not just ineffective—it’s dangerous,” said Dr. Linroy Christian, Director of Analytical Services at Antigua’s Ministry of Agriculture, who helped identify the counterfeit antitoxin. “Patients receiving this falsified treatment for tetanus infections are at immediate risk of worsened health outcomes, including death.”
Tetanus, a bacterial infection causing severe muscle spasms and respiratory failure, requires urgent antitoxin treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that untreated tetanus has a mortality rate of up to 50%, rising in regions with limited healthcare access like Haiti.
Government Response and Public Warning
The MSPP has banned the sale, distribution, and use of the counterfeit antitoxin and launched an investigation to trace its origins. Authorities are urging healthcare providers, pharmacists, and citizens to:
- Immediately discontinue use of any tetanus antitoxin matching the lot E-634 description.
- Report suspected cases to regional health directorates or the MSPP’s fraud hotline.
- Verify all medical products through certified suppliers.
“This is a criminal act that exploits vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Gautier Gédéon, a spokesperson for Haiti’s Health Ministry. “We are working with international partners to strengthen surveillance and prevent further circulation of fake medicines.”
Broader Implications for Public Health
The incident underscores Haiti’s ongoing struggles with illicit medical markets, exacerbated by political instability, gang violence, and chronic healthcare shortages. Counterfeit medicines—often smuggled into the country—have flooded pharmacies in recent years, with fake antibiotics, painkillers, and antimalarials frequently reported.
In 2023, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) warned that up to 30% of medicines in some low-income countries are substandard or falsified, contributing to millions of preventable deaths annually.
Calls for International Support
Haiti’s under-resourced regulatory agencies face immense challenges in policing counterfeit drugs. The MSPP has appealed for technical and financial assistance from global health organizations, including the WHO and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), to bolster drug-testing infrastructure and border controls.
“This crisis demands a coordinated response,” said Dr. Christian. “Without urgent action, more lives will be lost to these criminal operations.”
How to Stay Safe
- Patients requiring tetanus treatment should seek care at government-certified hospitals.
- Verify medications using MSPP’s online authentication portal or consult healthcare providers.
Haiti 24 news continues to monitor this developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
