I was interested to see this news item (with thanks to Global Health Now)
'Naloxone, the lifesaving drug that reverses opioid overdoses, has become increasingly available to people on the front lines of the opioid epidemic, but access must be even further expanded to meet the overwhelming need, advocates say.'
https://apnews.com/article/science-health-medication-opioids-robert-cali...
'Worldwide, about 0.5 million deaths are attributable to drug use. More than 70% of these deaths are related to opioids, with more than 30% of those deaths caused by overdose...
The medication naloxone can prevent death from an opioid overdose if administered in time...
Access to naloxone is generally limited to health professionals. In many countries there is still limited availability of naloxone even in medical settings, including in ambulances. On the other hand, some countries have already made naloxone available in pharmacies without prescription. Several countries (Australia, Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Ukraine) have introduced naloxone as over-the-counter medication and have also started proactive dissemination in communities.'
WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/opioid-overdose
COMMENT (NPW): Whether a person lives or dies from an opiate overdose (intentional or unintentional) is dependent on many factors, but two factors are clear: the availability of naloxone, and the awareness of bystanders that naloxone is urgently needed. I look forward to hear from HIFA members about your experience with this.
With thanks, Neil
Joint Coordinator, HIFA Mental Health: Substance use disorders
https://www.hifa.org/projects/mental-health-meeting-information-needs-su...
Dr Neil Pakenham-Walsh, HIFA Coordinator
Healthcare Information For All
Global Healthcare Information Network
Working in Official Relations with the World Health Organization
20,000 members, 400 supporting organisations, 180 countries, 6 forums, 4 languages
www.hifa.org neil@hifa.org
