INCB's contribution to the CND thematic discussions on implementation of the UNGASS outcome document

VIENNA, 25 January - INCB made two presentations during the first intersessional meeting of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), 60th session, held from 23 to 25 January 2017, in the context of the second round of thematic discussions on the implementation of the outcome document of the thirtieth special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem (UNGASS).

The first presentation focused on ensuring the availability of and access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, while preventing their diversion . To guide Member States in the implementation of the operational recommendations found in Chapter 2 of the UNGASS outcome document, INCB illustrated concrete measures that Governments need to take, together with examples of best practices.

Among those measures are: facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of opioid analgesics; establishing adequate estimates of requirements for controlled substances; making use of the International Import and Export Authorization System (I2ES); sourcing locally and reimbursing patients to ensure affordability; training staff at competent national authorities; and improving national supply, including in rural areas.Member States' delegations acknowledged INCB's role in this area and noted the importance of continued cooperation.

The second presentation was delivered under chapter 5 of the outcome document (Cross-cutting issues, including new psychoactive substances (NPS), precursors and pre-precursors) and focused on voluntary cooperation aspects of the operational recommendations. Recalling the established platforms for voluntary operational cooperation on precursors ( Project Prism and Project Cohesion) and NPS ( Project ION), the presentation highlighted concrete proposals to address NPS and internationally non-scheduled chemicals. They include the sharing of actionable information, voluntary cooperation with industry and the need to explore concepts of intervention that do not rely on the scheduling of individual substances.

Delegations noted their participation in the projects and tools made available by INCB and expressed support for the work of INCB in the area of NPS.

The INCB presentations may also be viewed at the CND Post-UNGASS web page.

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