The UNODC programme provides a coordination platform for a worldwide response to improving access to controlled medicines for medical and scientific purposes, including for pain management, surgical interventions, neurological conditions, mental health disorders, paediatric care, and drug use disorders, while mitigating the risk of diversion and non-medical use. The three main pillars of the programme are:
The Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, as amended by the 1972 protocol, states that the medical use of narcotic drugs continues to be indispensable for the relief of pain and that adequate provision must be made to ensure their availability for such purposes. The Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971) recognizes that the use of psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes is indispensable and that their availability for such purposes should not be unduly restricted. All major policy documents of CND, such as the 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document and Resolution 53/4 on " Availability of Internationally Controlled Licit Drugs for Medical and Scientific Purposes", Resolution 54/6 on " Availability of Internationally Controlled Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances for Medical and Scientific Purposes", and the Ministerial Declaration 20219, are parts of a comprehensive approach to ensure access to and the availability of internationally controlled medicines. The programme aims to support Member States in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including improving accessibility to essential medicines as highlighted in the Sub-goal 3.8.
UNODC's efforts are to ensure that Member States meet their dual responsibility of provision and control of controlled medicines through a balanced approach.
The UNODC Access to Controlled Medicines Programme Framework
UNODC provides technical assistance to Member States to address major impediments related to supply chain management, education and awareness raising, and capacity of health systems through:
