Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia, has been appointed to an independent expert panel established by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs to contribute to the global review of drug policy scheduled for 2029.
Professor Adeeba was selected by the United Nations Secretary-General to serve on the panel. The panel was established pursuant to resolution 68/6 of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, which called for an independent group of experts to assess progress and submit recommendations for the global review of drug policy commitments scheduled for 2029.
The global drug control system has been in place for over 60 years. The upcoming review marks the first major, comprehensive, and independent evaluation of the international drug control machinery in decades.
Professor Adeeba said the review presents a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for the global community to assess whether current approaches to drug policy and the international drug treaties effectively serve their original purpose of protecting the health and welfare of humankind.
“This is a rare opportunity to examine if the international drug control system is fit for purpose and where improvements may be needed,” she said, according to the press release shared with PP Health Malaysia (PPHM).
“The panel brings together expertise from across regions and disciplines to consider how global drug policy can better reflect public health priorities, human rights considerations and scientific evidence.”
The expert panel comprises members selected by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the International Narcotics Control Board and the World Health Organization.
Its work will be supported by the Secretariat of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Professor Adeeba is internationally recognised for her work in infectious diseases, harm reduction, prison and public health, particularly in addressing HIV among key populations and people who use drugs. Her research and policy engagement have contributed to regional and global discussions on evidence-based approaches to drug policy and health systems.
As Chair of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, she established the Drug Policy Program Malaysia, which advocates for reforms to Malaysia’s drug laws and policies and promotes approaches that prioritise health and reduce the harms associated with drug use and criminalisation.
