๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ค๐ข๐ง๐
Nairobi, Kenya – The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), in collaboration with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), represented by the Regional Representative for East Africa, Mr. Ahmed El Deib, on Wednesday 6th May 2026 officially launched a three-day training workshop on the Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) programme aimed at strengthening regulated supply chains and protecting consumers against illicit drugs in Kenya and the East African region.
The training has brought together representatives from government agencies, international organisations, and enforcement partners to strengthen cooperation, information sharing, and the use of GRIDS tools in combating illicit drug trafficking and safeguarding public health.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, participants raised concern over the growing threat posed by the illicit trade and trafficking of health products and technologies, underscoring the need for stronger regional and international collaboration to address the evolving challenge.
The workshop also highlighted achievements made under Operation African Star 2 conducted in July 2025, where agencies from Kenya and neighbouring countries strengthened coordination and successfully intercepted illicit products entering through courier and parcel delivery systems.
A key focus of the training is the introduction and operationalisation of the GRIDS and IONICS Platform Programme in Kenya. The initiative is expected to strengthen tracking, monitoring, and verification of pharmaceutical products across the supply chain to ensure medicines reaching consumers are safe, effective, and of assured quality.
Participants were encouraged to strengthen partnerships among regulatory authorities, law enforcement agencies, international organisations, and the private sector to enhance supply chain integrity and consumer safety.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in safeguarding communities from the dangers of illicit drugs and promoting a safer and healthier East Africa.
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