The World Health Organisation (WHO) is calling for global cooperation, political commitment and creative solutions to counter what it describes as the silent epidemic of counterfeit medicines. At an international conference in Rome the body is aiming to put together a global task force to focus on legislation, law enforcement and innovative technology solutions. Dr Howard Zucker, WHO assistant director general for health technology and pharmaceuticals, said: "People don't die from carrying a fake handbag or wearing a fake t-shirt. They can die from taking a counterfeit medicine.

"International police action against the factories and distribution networks should be as uncompromising as that applied to the pursuit of narcotic smuggling." It is estimated that ten per cent of global medicines trade is counterfeit and the US Centre for Medicines in the Public Interest forecasts that counterfeit drug sales could reach $75 billion in 2010, a 92 per cent increase from 2005. The vast sums of money involved means that criminal networks are increasingly becoming attracted to pharmaceuticals using more and more sophisticated ways to escape detection.

The WHO is calling for greater education of patients, healthcare workers, and pharmacists, along with the use of new technologies to fight the spread of such drugs, especially in countries where there is weak drug regulation control and enforcement. Dr Zucker added: "These measures need to be intensified. Countries should think about ways to make the necessary technological, legislative and financial adjustments as quickly as possible to guarantee the availability of quality assured essential drugs."

Participants at the Rome conference, which started yesterday and runs until Saturday, include experts and representatives from national governments and regulatory authorities, industry, intergovernmental organisations, and consumer and patient groups.