Oluwatobi Adu 
The World Health Organisation, (WHO) issues new global guidance urging governments to protect opioid agonist maintenance treatment as an essential health service, warning that service disruptions can be fatal and risk deepening the global opioid crisis.
The guidance, released on Tuesday, responds to rising opioid-related deaths and repeated interruptions to treatment services during emergencies, conflicts and health system shocks. Titled Opioid agonist maintenance treatment as an essential health service, the document sets out practical measures to ensure continuity of care for people dependent on opioids.
WHO estimates that around 60 million people worldwide engage in non-medical opioid use, involving substances such as heroin, fentanyl, tramadol, methadone and morphine. Opioids account for roughly 450,000 of the 600,000 drug-related deaths recorded globally, with overdose, HIV and viral hepatitis among the leading causes of mortality.
WHO stresses that opioid agonist maintenance treatment is one of the most effective and cost-efficient interventions available. Evidence shows it reduces overdose deaths, limits risky behaviours and crime, improves retention in care, and significantly cuts the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C.
The agency warns that unplanned reductions or interruptions in treatment dosage can be life-threatening. “Disruptions to opioid dependence treatment put lives at immediate risk,” WHO says, urging countries to treat these services as non-negotiable components of national health systems.
The guidance recommends early planning when disruptions are anticipated, including community engagement, expanded access to naloxone, flexible take-home dosing, stronger psychosocial support and close coordination among health providers.
WHO also calls on governments to ensure treatment is affordable, widely available and covered by public health insurance. A global webinar scheduled for 17 December will support countries to implement the guidance and safeguard life-saving care worldwide.
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Chukwu Obinna 