Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sade Oguntola
Published on 2024-03-14 04:55:44
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has emphasized the agency’s dedication to ensuring the availability of narcotics and controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes in Nigeria, while also working to prevent their diversion to illicit use. This commitment was highlighted by the agency’s resident media consultant, Sayo Akintola, in a recent press statement. The statement was made in response to concerns raised by the Provost of the Medical School at the University of Lagos, Professor Adewale Anthonio Oke, regarding the potential addiction of some medical professionals to narcotic drugs used as painkillers for patients post-surgery.
Professor Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC’s focus on striking a balance between providing access to these substances while also implementing adequate control measures due to the addictive nature of many narcotic drugs. Speaking at the launch of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) annual report availability supplement and precursor report 2023 in Lagos, she highlighted the importance of monitoring online drug trafficking and the role of social media in facilitating this illicit trade.
The INCB’s annual report serves to inform governments of countries that are party to International Conventions on Drug Control Efforts about the global drug situation. The 2023 report specifically addresses the impact of online drug trafficking and the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of illicit drug sales on the internet. Professor Adeyeye, represented by Dr. Charles Nwachukwu, Director of Laboratory Services (Food) at NAFDAC, emphasized the need for competent national authorities to enhance their monitoring activities to stay ahead of traffickers.
The report also examines the global availability of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes, shedding light on the disparities in access to medicines for pain treatment. It delves into issues related to the trafficking of synthetic drugs, including non-medical synthetic opioids, cocaine, and their precursors, which pose a growing threat to public health.
Professor Adeyeye outlined the measures already implemented by NAFDAC to ensure the availability of controlled medicines and prevent their diversion to illegal use. These measures include the issuance of electronic permits for importing controlled substances, the use of the pre-export notification (PEN) online system, the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP), and the National Pharmaceutical Traceability Strategy.
In conclusion, Professor Adeyeye’s reaffirmation of NAFDAC’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by narcotics and controlled substances in Nigeria underscores the agency’s proactive approach to safeguarding public health while promoting the legitimate use of these substances for medical and scientific purposes. By actively monitoring and implementing control measures, NAFDAC aims to combat drug trafficking and prevent the diversion of controlled medicines to illicit channels, thereby ensuring their safe and responsible use in the healthcare sector.
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