WHO announces the update of several recommendations in the forthcoming guidelines for the treatment of opioid dependence and the community management of opioid overdose.
Opioid dependence remains a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. An estimated 316 million people worldwide used drugs in 2023, including around 61 million people who engaged in non-medical opioid use. Opioids continue to account for the largest share of the drug-related health burden, including fatal overdose. Of approximately 600 000 deaths attributed to drug use globally, about 450 000 are due to opioid use.
Ensuring that people with opioid dependence—and those at risk of opioid overdose—have access to affordable, ethical, high-quality and evidence-based support and care is essential. Although an estimated 64 million people…