For information only – not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1464
1 September 2022
VIENNA, 1 September (UN Information Service) – The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has launched a new online learning module to support Member States with capacity building to ensure adequate availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.
The interactive, self-paced e-module provides a comprehensive overview of the implementation of recommendations from the 2016 UNGASS report as well as the 2015 and 2018 INCB technical reports on availability. The focus of the training is to remove imbalances in the availability of controlled substances to promote the health and welfare of people globally.
In her opening remarks, the INCB President, Ms. Jagjit Pavadia, confirmed that over the last six years there has been an improvement in the reporting by countries that have received training, attesting to the relevance and importance of this global programme. She further emphasised that the training should be ongoing as the staff turnover in workplaces often leads to the loss of skills. “I would appeal to Member States to ensure transfer of knowledge and succession planning in this field” said Ms. Pavadia.
INCB Learning was launched in 2016 as a global initiative to assist Governments in strengthening the proper functioning of national drug control systems and domestic assessment mechanisms and programmes. To date, 436 officials from 133 countries and territories have been trained in seminars and 1,269 officials from 147 countries and territories have enrolled in INCB Learning e-modules. E-modules complement in-person training by providing on-demand resources to officials of Competent National Authorities allowing them to gain and refresh crucial knowledge and skills, especially at times of high staff turn-over.
INCB Learning e-modules are free of charge and available upon request to officials of competent national authorities under the three international drug control conventions. There is no limitation on the number of staff members that can be registered from each competent national authority. Successful completion of the e-module is acknowledged with an online certificate.
The new e-module is currently available in English. By the end of the year there are expected to be French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish language versions of the module. Translation into other languages is dependent on the availability of extrabudgetary contributions.
The new e-module can be accessed through the following link: Ensuring the Adequate Availability of Controlled Substances for Medical and Scientific Purposes. All new users from competent national authorities are invited to send an email to incb.learning@un.org to register their interest.
INCB Learning activities are possible thanks to generous contributions made by the Governments of Australia, Belgium, France, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Thailand and the United States of America.
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INCB is the independent, quasi-judicial body charged with promoting and monitoring Government compliance with the three international drug control conventions: the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Established by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, the thirteen members of the Board are elected in a personal capacity by the Economic and Social Council for terms of five years.
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For further information, please contact:
INCB Secretariat
Tel.: (+43-1) 26060-4163
Email: incb.secretariat[at]un.org
www.incb.org
