A Member States Briefing on the joint initiative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to strengthen pharmaceutical development and improve access to controlled medicines in Africa was successfully held in Vienna on 23 February 2026.
The event opened with remarks from Mr. Ciyong Zou, Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director at UNIDO; Ms. Candice Welsch, Director of Policy Analysis and Public Affairs at UNODC; and H.E. Amb. Maimounata Ouattara, Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso.
Following the opening, the initiative was introduced by Mr. Alejandro Rivera Rojas, Chief of Division of Small and Medium Enterprises Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation at UNIDO, and Dr. Elizabeth Saenz, Programme Officer at the Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section of UNODC, who outlined the objectives and strategic approach of the joint effort.
The briefing also brought together experts from relevant international and regional institutions. Presentations were delivered by Mr. Koissi Midaye from the Economic Community of West African States Commission; Dr. Tchamdja Kpatcha Pierre from the West Africa Health Organisation; Dr. Dauda Foday Suma from the African Development Bank; Professor H. H. Sevil Atasoy from the International Narcotics Control Board; and Dr. Abiola Olukayode Olaleye from the African Union Commission.
Discussions highlighted the importance of coordinated action across pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory strengthening and secure supply chains. Speakers emphasized the complementary expertise of UNIDO in industrial development and UNODC in drug policy, while also noting the importance of alignment with key regional frameworks such as the African Medicines Agency, the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization initiative, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Closing remarks were delivered by Mr. Justice Tettey, Chief of the Drugs Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch at UNODC.
The discussion was well received by Member States and participants, who expressed interest in continued collaboration and technical engagement to support sustainable pharmaceutical development and equitable access to essential and controlled medicines across Africa.
