In a bold move to combat the growing issue of illicit health products, Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and Uganda’s National Drug Authority (NDA) have launched Operation African Star. This collaborative effort aims to crack down on the illegal trade of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health equipment across Africa. The initiative involves key partnerships with international agencies from the US, UK, and EU, along with multinational organizations and the pharmaceutical industry.
During the four-day operation, inspection teams from both countries meticulously checked shipments of health products arriving via postal and air cargo. They also conducted training sessions to enhance their understanding and strategies to disrupt the illicit trade effectively.
Dr. Fred Siyoi, CEO of PPB, highlighted the significant global health risks posed by illicit health products, stressing the critical need for international collaboration to ensure the safety and efficacy of these products. “The 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. Siyoi stated.
Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo, Chairman of the NDA, emphasized the importance of multilateral efforts in developing best practices to combat dangerous products. “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,” he added.
The operation led to several criminal investigations, seizures of illegal products, and the exchange of vital intelligence. Ongoing efforts include educating consumers about the risks associated with illicit medicines and planning future enforcement actions.
In Kenya, the PPB collaborated with national agencies such as 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, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, and specialized units of the Uganda Police Force.
Internationally, agencies like the European Anti-Fraud Office, United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office, United States Agency for International Development (Office of Inspector General), United States Customs and Border Protection, United States Food and Drug Administration (Office of Criminal Investigations), United States Postal Inspection Service, and United States Department of State (Diplomatic Security Service) participated in the operation.
In a related crackdown in February 2024, authorities arrested 129 individuals and shut down their premises for operating illegal pharmacy outlets. The joint operation by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the National Police Service seized over 200 cartons of illicit medicines, targeting illegal pharmaceutical premises and unregistered pharmacists in Nairobi, the South Rift, and Western regions.
