VIENNA, Austria Sep 8 — Kenya has called for stronger international cooperation in tackling the global drug problem, warning that the rapid spread of synthetic drugs is outpacing traditional law-enforcement and public health responses.

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Speaking at the 33rd Meeting of Heads of National Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA) in Vienna, Kenya urged United Nations member states to strengthen collaboration in combating drug trafficking while ensuring vulnerable communities have access to appropriate health and social support.

Speaking on behalf of the Africa Group, Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, Edwin Afande, MBS, said the fight against narcotics remains a common and shared responsibility.

Afande expressed concern over persistent inequalities in access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, particularly medicines required for pain management and palliative care.

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He also warned of the growing threat posed by synthetic drugs and the increasingly complex links between drug trafficking, corruption, illicit financial flows and terrorism.

The Ambassador called for stronger regional and international cooperation to address the interconnected challenges.

Kenya also urged the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to support countries in strengthening their ability to prevent, detect and respond to substandard and falsified medical products.

Afande said such products pose a major threat to public health and socio-economic development, particularly across Africa.

He called for the removal of barriers that limit equitable access to controlled substances for legitimate medical and scientific purposes.

Kenya’s position was reinforced by Beverly Opwora, Principal Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and head of the Kenyan delegation.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya