Today, 31 August, is International Overdose Awareness Day. In 2019, 600,000 deaths were attributed to drug use with 25% related to opioids. Opioids have analgesic and sedative effects and are commonly used for the management of pain. If you suspect someone is having an overdose, contact your emergency healthcare provider.
Other hot topics
WHO launches a new initiative on digital health
WHO and G20 India presidency have introduced a Global Initiative on Digital Health at the G20 Summit in India. Why does this matter? Using technology to improve health care helps people, healthcare providers, and the overall system by making things work better and improving the quality of care.
Mpox outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mpox cases in DRC are on the rise and continue to spread geographically. They have now been reported in 17 of the country’s 24 provinces. Most cases are found in Equateur, Mai Ndombe, Tshopo, Sankuru, and Maniema provinces.
WHO initiative signs new licensing agreements on COVID-19 technologies
The COVID-19 Technology Access Pool, a multi-stakeholder partnership to facilitate sharing of intellectual property, knowledge and innovations has announced three new licensing agreements acquired through the Medicines Patent Pool.
Botswana National HIV Reference Laboratory designated WHO Collaborating Centre
Botswana and WHO announced designation of the Botswana National HIV Reference Laboratory as a WHO Collaborating Centre, which will enable deeper collaboration with WHO in advancing the health and well-being of people living with HIV.
