Opioid Substitution Therapy in Resouce-Poor Settings
An article describing the need for better prevention of HIV transmission among and from injecting drug users in resource-poor settings. Opioid substitution therapy (OST) programs are effective in substantially reducing illicit opiate use, HIV risk behaviors, death from overdose and criminal activity, and financial and other stresses on drug users and their families. Yet, the article highlights the substantial global inequity in access to OST between developed and resource-poor countries. India is mentioned as a good example of a developing country that is gradually integrating the provision of opioid substitution therapy into public health policies and programs.
To read the full article: http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/89/4/11-086850/en/index.html
- Keywords: addiction/dependence, HIV/AIDS, injecting drug use, MAT/OST/Pharmacotherapy, methadone, Methadone Maintenance Therapy, UN system, World Health Organization
- Countries: India
