WHO reinforces the use of scientific treatments to reduce mortality from narcotics

Published at: 05/04/2026 12:11 PM

Faced with the alarming increase in mortality rates due to drug use, the World Health Organization (WHO) presented an update to its technical guidelines, and estimates that of the 600,000 annual deaths related to substances, 75% of some 450,000 human losses are directly linked to the use of opioids, consolidating themselves as the greatest threat to public health in this sector.

The most recent data reveal that the consumption of these drugs is relentless at the global level. In the past year, of the 316 million registered substance users, approximately 61 million used some type of opioid for medical purposes. This figure underscores the urgency of implementing more robust control and prevention mechanisms in national health networks.

The new WHO road map is based on scientific evidence to provide comprehensive care for people with dependency. The central objective is to drastically reduce overdose deaths through effective interventions, prioritizing the treatment of patients not only as a safety challenge, but as a health priority for immediate care.

Among the key recommendations, the guideline ratifies the use of maintenance treatments with opioid agonists, highlighting methadone and buprenorphine as essential tools. These substances have proven to be effective in stabilizing patients, facilitating rehabilitation and achieving the therapeutic objectives necessary to mitigate the impact of this global crisis.

Mazo News Team