HP Galway, based in Ballybrit, has played a strong role in developing software to detect counterfeit drugs.

The new system from HP and African social enterprise 'mPedigree network' allows people in Nigeria and Ghana to check if their maleria drugs are genuine.

The system assigns a code that is revealed by scratching off a coating on the drugs packaging which can then be checked by sending a text message.

If the drug is a fake, the consumer will get a message back telling them it is counterfeit, and a phone number to report the incident.