The world seems to be losing the battle against the production, trafficking and use of illicit drugs, a UN report has warned.

The 2008 World Drug Report, released on Thursday in Nairobi, indicates that an upsurge in supply and the development of new trafficking routes, mostly through Africa, could eventually strengthen drug demand in developed countries. This, it adds, will see the creation of new markets for some of the world's deadliest substances.

The report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime shows that Kenya is one of the five countries globally that have registered an increase in the use of heroin.

More Kenyans are using cocaine, with the country also being used as a trafficking route, the report further indicates.

Main problem

Bhang remains one of teh most abused drugs in Africa, the report says, with 22 per cent of the drug being produced in the continent. The report shows that heroin and cocaine finding their way into the country originate from South Asia and Southern Africa respectively.

The UN report is urging authorities to take urgent steps to maintain progress in the war against narcotic drugs.

In his International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking message on Thursday, the UN secretary-general Ban ki Moon urged the world to ensure people who are struggling with drug addiction are given equal health and social services.