Knowledge and Attitude of Community Pharmacists Regarding Counterfeit Medicines in Enugu Metropolis, South East Nigeria

Background: Counterfeit and substandard medicines are a persistent threat to public health in Nigeria, leading to treatment failures, drug resistance, and preventable deaths. Community pharmacists occupy a critical gatekeeping position in the medicine supply chain and their knowledge and attitudes towards this problem are of paramount importance. This study assessed community pharmacist knowledge and attitudes regarding counterfeit medicines in Enugu metropolis. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 120 registered community pharmacists in Enugu State using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Domains assessed included awareness of counterfeit drug characteristics, procurement practices, reporting behaviour, and collaboration with regulatory authorities. Results: High awareness of counterfeit drug existence was recorded in 88 percent of respondents, but only 34 percent could correctly identify all listed physical indicators of counterfeiting. A positive attitude towards reporting to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was expressed by 72 percent. However, only 26 percent had ever made a formal counterfeit drug report. Conclusion: While awareness of counterfeit medicines is high, actual reporting behaviour among Enugu pharmacists remains low. Strengthening pharmacist-NAFDAC communication channels and simplifying reporting procedures are critical next steps. Keywords: counterfeit medicines, community pharmacists, Enugu, NAFDAC, drug regulation