Collaboration and Coordination: Role of RILO West Africa

Customs Manager Ansumana B. Bojang, who serves as the Gambian Technical Attaché to RILO for West and Central Africa, is involved in Operation CRIPHARM 10, which aims to tackle illegal pharmaceutical trafficking in the region.

This initiative, coordinated by RILO West Africa in collaboration with the Senegalese Customs Administration, confronts the significant public health risk presented by counterfeit and substandard medications, leading to over 500,000 fatalities each year in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Bojang highlighted the importance of more advanced testing laboratories and expressed appreciation for the support from the Senegalese Customs Administration and the WCO-WCA. The gathering included customs specialists aimed at enhancing regional collaboration to combat illicit pharmaceutical trade.