Kenya and Uganda join forces against illicit trade in health products

Kenya's Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and Uganda's National Drug Authority (NDA) have launched Operation African Star, a collaborative effort aimed at combating the illicit trade of health products.

This initiative involves partnerships with international agencies from the US, UK, and EU, as well as multinational organisations and the pharmaceutical industry.

During the four-day operation, teams from both countries inspected shipments of health products arriving via postal and air cargo. They conducted training sessions to better understand and disrupt the illicit trade in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and equipment across Africa.

Dr. Fred Siyoi, CEO of PPB, underscored the global health risks posed by illicit health products, emphasising the importance of collaboration for ensuring safety and effectiveness. 

"This risk increases when health products and technologies are obtained outside the regulated supply chain. Safety and efficacy cannot be assured, threatening the East African Community and public health."

Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo, Chairman of the NDA, highlighted the initiative's role in developing best practices through multilateral efforts.

"As evidenced by the wide array of support generated for this initiative, there is a growing recognition that cross-cutting partnerships are crucial to combating these types of dangerous products effectively," Bitekyerezo stated.

Uganda's National Drug Authority (NDA) offices. (Photo: NDA)

The operation resulted in criminal investigations, seizures of illegal products, and the exchange of intelligence. Ongoing efforts include consumer education about the risks associated with illicit medicines and planning future enforcement actions.

The PPB collaborated with several national agencies in Kenya, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, Immigration Services, Anti-Narcotics, National Intelligence Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Airports Authority, Post Master General, Communication Authority of Kenya, and Anti-Counterfeit Authority. Meanwhile, Uganda's NDA partnered with the Uganda Revenue Authority, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, and specialised units of the Uganda Police Force.

International participation involved agencies such as the European Anti-Fraud Office, the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office, the United States Agency for International Development (Office of Inspector General), United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Food and Drug Administration (Office of Criminal Investigations), the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Department of State (Diplomatic Security Service).

In February 2024, authorities arrested at least 129 individuals and shut down their premises in a crackdown on illegal pharmacy outlets. The joint operation, conducted by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the National Police Service, seized over 200 cartons of illicit medicines.

Beginning on January 29, the operation targeted illegal pharmaceutical premises and pharmacists distributing unregistered medicines in Nairobi, the South Rift, and the Western regions.