About 17% of cancer drugs tested in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi and Cameroon had incorrect active ingredient levels.
Visual inspection identified only a quarter of substandard products, with laboratory testing needed to find the rest.
Causes of poor-quality medicines include manufacturing faults, improper storage and counterfeit products.
Improving regulation, screening technologies and training is essential to detect and prevent defective drugs.
The World Health Organization is collaborating with the affected countries to strengthen regulatory frameworks and surveillance.
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