Nairobi, Kenya – 12/06/2024 –

The Chief Executive Officer of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Dr. F. M. Siyoi, convened a meeting on Monday with the Operation African Star team to discuss collaborative strategies aimed at disrupting the illicit trade in health products, pharmaceutical preparations, medical devices, and equipment across Africa.

Operation African Star, formed in 2023, serves as an informal steering group focused on improving global public health outcomes. Its membership includes prominent organizations such as the European Commission (EC), Interpol, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Initiated by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the National Drug Authority (NDA) of Uganda, Operation African Star targets illicit medicines distributed through postal services and airport environments.

During the meeting, it was announced that the European Commission’s European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) will support the detection of shipments related to the European Union, utilizing its global network of postal operators.

Key participants in phase 1 include the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, Home Office- UK, Immigration, International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Postal Corporation of Kenya, United States Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the Kenya Intelligence Service.