Nigeria's unregulated online herbal remedy trade puts consumers at risk
By
Al Jazeera
Lightly toasted, lightly seasoned, mostly correct.
Summary
This article investigates the growing online trade in unverified herbal remedies promoted on social media in Nigeria, using the case of Oke Bola (a pseudonym) who suffered severe respiratory distress after taking a fertility supplement she bought online. The piece highlights how these 'algorithmic apothecaries' exploit social media algorithms to target vulnerable consumers, leading to rising health risks, delayed medical treatment, and a regulatory gap that leaves consumers unprotected.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledI recognised the symptoms of asthma; the wheezing sound at night was familiar
I bought the supplement earlier this year and increased the recommended dosage, hoping for quicker results after hearing about it from friends and family
The algorithmic apothecary is fueling a surge in risky herbal cures
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