Training

In 2007 and 2008, Novartis hosted 26 training sessions for law enforcement, health and judicial authorities across the globe, including Syria, Iran, Jordan, Egypt, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, India, Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, and Malaysia.

Awareness training given to EU Customs led to counterfeit pharmaceuticals being accorded priority status for Customs enforcement in 2008.

The European Commission announced in December 2008 the results of the "MEDI-FAKE" action, which targeted customs control on illegal medicines entering the EU. More than 34 million illegal medicines were seized. László Kovács, Commissioner for Taxation and Customs, commented: "This success shows the value of the new Community approach to risk management. It multiplies the effectiveness of customs controls, thereby better protecting citizens and legitimate business from new and increasing security and safety threats. Cooperation between customs and legitimate business proved vital."

The primary aim in all these efforts is to ensure that the public continues to have faith in the quality of the drug supply, so patients can take the medicines they need in safety and confidence. Our anti-counterfeiting efforts are based on understanding the active role a corporate global citizen must play in helping enforce the laws and protect its products.