African artists give voice to global fight against fake medicines in INTERPOL-supported campaign

‘Proud To Be’ aims to raise public awareness of dangers of fake medicines

LYON, France – Two of Africa's leading musicians, South Africa's Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Senegal's Youssou N'Dour, have collaborated on a song, ‘Proud to be,’ as part of INTERPOL’s ongoing campaign to raise public awareness worldwide and in particular throughout Africa of the health risks posed by counterfeit medicines.

The song will be launched under the auspices of INTERPOL with its first ever live public performance by Yvonne Chaka Chaka in Nairobi on Thursday 27 October before senior government officials from Kenya and other countries in the region, in addition to representatives from international organizations and NGOs.

Prior to its launch, INTERPOL will make audio and video clips of the song available to the media upon request. These can now be viewed on INTERPOL’s website, www.interpol.int.

Following its launch on 27 October, the full song and accompanying video can be viewed via the INTERPOL website or YouTube, and can also be downloaded from online music providers.

There will also be interview opportunities in Nairobi on 27 October with Yvonne Chaka Chaka, as well as with the head of INTERPOL’s Medical Products Counterfeiting and Pharmaceutical Crime (MPCPC) unit, Aline Plançon, and with other senior law enforcement and government officials.

There may also be interview opportunities with both artists immediately prior to the launch of the song.

The continent of Africa is especially affected by fake medicines, where every day thousands of innocent people unknowingly put their lives at risk by taking medication that is fake or has been traded illegally.

INTERPOL is seeing an alarming number of international cases involving the manufacture, trade and distribution of counterfeit and illicit medicines. It is working with its 188 member states, partner organizations and across the public-private sectors to disrupt the criminal networks which are making huge profits with careless disregard for people’s health.

The release of ‘Proud to Be’ was only made possible through the voluntary support of Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Youssou N'dour who are both known for their commitment to humanitarian and development causes.

For more details, journalists wishing to cover this initiative and / or attend the launch of the song are requested to contact the  INTERPOL Press Office.