In a statement released on Saturday, October 7, Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) raised concerns about the illegal sale of unauthorized family planning medicines in the country.

The agency conducted an inspection and discovered the presence of pills sold on the black market for contraceptive purposes. These pills are packaged in blisters with labels in languages other than those officially recognized in Rwanda, and they lack essential patient information leaflets.

Rwanda FDA emphasizes that the pills in question have not been registered or authorized for use in Rwanda. Therefore, the public is urged to exercise caution and refrain from purchasing or using these unapproved medicines.

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The regulatory body issued a warning to all individuals involved in the distribution and sale of unauthorized pills, urging them to immediately stop these activities.

Furthermore, Rwanda FDA advises the public to discontinue the use of any such pills and instead seek family planning and other healthcare services from recognized health facilities approved by the Ministry of Health.

"To ensure safety and efficacy, it is essential that medicines and related health products are obtained from licensed pharmacies authorized by the Rwanda FDA or from health facilities officially recognized by the Ministry of Health,” said a statement signed by Dr. Emille Bienvenu, the Director General of Rwanda FDA.