Medical Product Trafficking Threatens Health and Security in Central Africa
Authorities in Central Africa seized over 251 tonnes of medical products between 2020 and 2025, including antibiotics, antimalarial medicines, and psychoactive substances.
In Brief
- •Authorities in Central Africa seized over 251 tonnes of medical products between 2020 and 2025, including antibiotics, antimalarial medicines, and psychoactive substances.
- •The illicit market has expanded due to shortages, high prices, and weak health systems, creating opportunities for criminal networks to exploit vulnerable populations.
- •In 2023, 12 children died in Cameroon after ingesting contaminated paediatric syrup, highlighting the severe human cost of the trafficking.
- •Seizures of medical products fluctuated sharply, with nearly 116 tonnes seized in 2024 and 97 tonnes in 2025, reflecting both increased criminal activity and stronger enforcement.
- •Cameroon accounted for the majority of seizures in 2025, with about 96 tonnes intercepted, compared to 2.5 tonnes in 2020.
Why It Matters
The trafficking of medical products poses significant threats to public health, economic development, and regional security in Central Africa. The illicit market exploits weaknesses in health systems, leading to severe consequences for patients and contributing to broader public health crises. The rise in seizures highlights the need for stronger enforcement and improved health infrastructure to combat this growing issue.
Key Details
- Total Seizures (2020-2025)
- 251 tonnes
- Seizures in 2024
- 116 tonnes
- Seizures in 2025
- 97 tonnes
- Seizures in Cameroon (2025)
- 96 tonnes
- Seizures in Cameroon (2020)
- 2.5 tonnes
- Deaths in Cameroon (2023)
- 12 children
Context & Background
The illicit trade of medical products in Central Africa is exacerbated by shortages, high prices, and weak health systems, creating conditions that allow criminal networks to exploit vulnerable populations.
Original Reporting & Sources
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