A Welcome Step for our Reproductive Health: Medical Abortion in the WHO's Essential Medicines List

Here at Giwyn, we welcome the inclusion of medicines for medical abortion by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its latest Essential Medicines List. This is an important step in recognizing that access to safe abortion is a fundamental part of healthcare.

The inclusion of these medicines reflects the extensive evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness. This decision by the WHO provides a clear signal to national governments, like our own, to prioritise the procurement and availability of these essential medicines. For many, this will help remove significant barriers to care, ultimately saving lives and enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their own bodies and futures.

Ensuring Safety and Quality: Be Vigilant

While this is a positive development, our work continues. The availability of these medicines must be accompanied by a commitment to quality and safety. The unfortunate reality is that here in Nigeria the market for many medicines is affected by counterfeit and low-quality products, which pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of those who use them.

Good quality matters when it comes to medication abortion. Using trusted, authentic pills helps ensure effectiveness and protects against risks like incomplete abortions, heavy bleeding, or infection. Empowering people with the know-how to spot genuine products and choose reliable sources is key to staying safe and healthy.

How to Identify and Avoid Unsafe Pills

Here are some red flags to watch out for when seeking medications of all kinds:

• Spelling errors: Misspellings of the product name, manufacturer, or ingredients on the packaging are a common sign of a counterfeit product.

• Medication appearance: Legitimate pills have a uniform, factory-made appearance. Be wary of tablets that are cracked, crumbly, or have an inconsistent coating.

• Compromised packaging: The packaging should be sealed and untampered with. If it looks damaged or suspicious, it's best to avoid it.

• Unreliable sources: Avoid purchasing medications from unverified websites or individuals. Look for licensed pharmacies and reputable healthcare providers.

Get advice from a trusted source: Be sure to get accurate information and proper guidance from a reputable provider or trusted channel before considering a medical abortion - get in touch with the Miss Rosy helpline or another trusted source who can help.

Our Commitment to Safe Access

At Giwyn, we are committed to ensuring that every individual has access to safe and effective reproductive healthcare. We will continue to advocate for policies that promote the availability of high-quality drugs and work to educate our communities about the dangers of counterfeit drugs. This recent update from the WHO is an encouraging step, and we will continue our work to ensure this translates into real, safe access for all.