INCB Learning concludes regional technical seminar and workshop aimed at improving the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes

NAIROBI/VIENNA, 31 January 2025 - The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Learning programme concluded a four-day technical seminar and one-day workshop focused on building capacity and raising awareness to improve the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. The capacity building activities, which took place in Nairobi from 27 to 31 January 2025, form part of INCB's ongoing efforts to support Member States in ensuring that essential medicines are available while preventing their diversion and misuse.

The activity brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including officials from the competent national authorities of ten African countries: Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania. Participants also included representatives from palliative care associations, experts in drug control and public health, and members of the international community. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the African Union Commission, the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care and other partners actively participated in the event. The event took place with financial contributions from the Russian Federation.

During the opening session, INCB President Jallal Toufiq, welcomed Government officials and emphasized the importance of strengthening capacity in the region to enhance the implementation of and adherence to the international drug control framework. Prof. Toufiq stated: "Through this seminar, we aim to strengthen the capacity of competent national authorities and raise awareness among Governments regarding the necessity of ensuring adequate availability of internationally controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. We hope that as a result of this seminar we will observe a high level of engagement between the Board and your Institutions."

Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative, Regional Office for East Africa, also addressed the opening of the meeting, highlighting the collaboration between UNODC and INCB as a cornerstone in the global efforts to uphold the international drug control conventions and ensure that their health and welfare objectives are met in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The seminar for twenty-four drug control officials was focused on improving the accuracy of estimates and assessments of licit requirements submitted to INCB for, respectively, narcotic drugs  psychotropic substances. Throughout the capacity building activities, participants discussed various topics including regulatory frameworks, barriers to access to controlled substances, and the importance of national and international cooperation in ensuring the availability of internationally controlled substances. It was emphasized that accurate and timely reporting to the Board ensures the effectiveness of the international drug control system and contributes to improved availability of controlled substances for medical, scientific and industrial purposes.

On Friday 31 January, representatives of UNODC, WHO, the African Union Commission, the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care, along with other key partners of the programme, made presentations on availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. In their presentations, experts highlighted that, in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being, it is essential to ensure the adequate availability of controlled substances while preventing diversion into illicit channels and misuse.

The seminar concluded with participants reflecting on the key takeaways and expressing interest in applying the knowledge gained in their respective countries. INCB Learning is committed to continuing to support Member States in fulfilling their responsibilities under the international drug control conventions. It recognizes the vital importance of international collaboration and is dedicated to facilitating dialogue and cooperation in addressing the challenges in ensuring the availability of controlled substances.

The Board is grateful for the contributions and support received since the establishment of INCB Learning and invites Governments to consider actively supporting the programme by participating in its activities and providing the resources required to ensure the programme's continuation and expansion.

For further information, please contact INCB Learning at incb.learning@un.org.

 

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