Nairobi, Kenya – In a historic collaboration aimed at safeguarding public health, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) of Kenya and the National Drug Authority (NDA) of Uganda have successfully concluded “Operation African Star.” This initiative, spanning four days, saw joint enforcement teams from both countries working alongside international partners to combat the trade in illicit medical products.

Under the auspices of Operation African Star, teams conducted rigorous inspections of health product shipments via postal and air cargo. These efforts were supported by reciprocal training sessions, enhancing local authorities’ capabilities in identifying and intercepting illicit medical products.
Key stakeholders included counterpart agencies from the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union, as well as multinational organizations and the regulated pharmaceutical industry.

The initiative also received support from international bodies such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board, the Universal Postal Union, and the Pharmaceutical Security Institute.

During the operation, enforcement teams uncovered various violations, including medicines stored and shipped outside approved conditions, prescription drugs lacking valid prescriptions, and misdeclared dietary supplements containing undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Dr. Fred Siyoi, CEO of the PPB, highlighted the significant risks posed by illicit medical products obtained outside regulated supply chains. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts with both domestic and international partners in addressing these threats to public health.

Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo, Chairman of the NDA, underscored the initiative’s role in fostering cross-sector partnerships to combat the distribution of dangerous products. He praised the collaboration’s success in initiating criminal investigations, seizing illicit products, and exchanging actionable intelligence.
The success of Operation African Star reflects the strong bilateral cooperation between Kenya and Uganda and sets a precedent for future international efforts to protect consumers from illicit medical products.Ends…