Members of International Narcotics Control Board contribute to thematic sessions of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs

VIENNA, 22 October 2020 - Members of the International Narcotics Control Board participated in the third intersessional meeting of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs held from 19 to 21 October 2020. The meeting included thematic sessions on the implementation of all international drug policy commitments, following-up on the 2019 Ministerial Declaration of the Commission.

On 19 October, Dr. Zukiswa Zingela, Member of the Board, addressed the Commission on the rate of transmission of HIV, the hepatitis C virus and other blood-borne diseases associated with drug use, including injecting drug use. Dr. Zingela also delivered a statement on drug treatment and health services, which continue to fall short of meeting needs, and increasing drug-related deaths.

On 20 October, Amb. David T. Johnson, Member of the Board, contributed to the thematic discussion on the alarming levels of adverse health consequences of and risks associated with new psychoactive substances. Amb. Johnson provided information about the work being done by INCB to help Member States prevent and address trafficking in new psychoactive substances, non-medical synthetic opioids and related dangerous substances, including through the Precursors Incident Communication System (PICS) and the Project Ion Incident Communication System (IONICS).

On the final day of the intersessional meeting, Dr. Galina A. Korchagina, Member of the Board, addressed the Commission on the availability of internationally controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, including for the relief of pain and palliative care.

Together with the Permanent Mission of Switzerland, the Board organized a side-event on Access to and Availability of Controlled Substances in Times of Crisis, which took place on the 21 October.

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