With the growing disease burden of Hepatitis B in the country, the number of people seeking vaccination against the deadly disease has almost doubled in the recent past. Following a tip-off, the National Drug Authority realized that most of the fake vaccines were being distributed at health camps where many people ran for cheaper and accessible medical service. The unscrupulous business community is therefore back into the business to meet the growing demands. “There is a recent need for vaccination because of the country’s efforts towards addressing the issue of Hepatitis B. So, because of that express need by the Ministry of Health that there is a need for vaccination, people have seen a gap and they have turned it into a money-making venture.” Said, Hellen Ndagije – National Drug Authority.

Facilities that were named as having counterfeit vaccines included Mbarara Community Hospital, Divine Mercy, Mayanja Memorial Hospital, Family Doctors' Clinic, Mbarara City Clinic, UMC Hospital Bukoto, Malcolm Healthcare Kisasi and Kampala Medical Chambers on Buganda Road. “The authority is conducting further investigations to establish the source of the product and the available information, however, shows that four facilities found with the counterfeit had bought them from unlicensed dealers with fake addresses on the invoices and receipts. Some suspects have been arrested and are currently held at Police to assist with investigations and others have recorded statements at respective Police Stations.”

Most of the vaccines on the market had a Serum Institute in India label. "The brand is available in two registered pack sizes that are 1ml ampule and a 10ml multi-dose vial. The 1ml ampule pack is supplied to the private market and is identified by a white label with two green bands at top and bottom parts of the label respectively." While it’s not yet clear what some of the side effects could be after a person has been vaccinated with these counterfeit drugs, the consumers have been urged to be on the lookout. The National Drug Authority also intends to revoke licenses of the private health facilities that were found with these counterfeit vaccines after thorough legal procedures.