Implementing a decentralized opioid overdose prevention strategy in Mexico, a pending public policy issue
Date
2023
Authors
Bejarano Romero, Raúl
Arredondo, Jaime
Slim Pasaran, Said
Chávez Rivera, Alfonso
Angulo Corral, Lourdes
Salimian, Anabel
Romero Vadilllo, Jorge J.
Goodman-Meza, David
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Lancet Regional Health - Americas
Abstract
Summary
The public health crisis due to opioid overdose is worsening in Mexico’s northern region due to the introduction of illicitly manufactured fentanyl into the local drug supply. Though there is an increase in overdose deaths, there is no accurate report of overdoses by Mexican government agencies and no comprehensive opioid overdose prevention strategy. There is currently only an anti-drug marketing strategy which is likely insufficient to mitigate the growing epidemic. In order to address the growing opioid overdose crisis in the country, it is necessary to create and implement a decentralized prevention strategy, that includes naloxone distribution, expanded treatment services in regions most in need, and create active dialogue with community organisations already implementing harm reduction actions. Decisive action must be taken by the Mexican government to ensure the health and wellbeing of the Mexican citizens, especially those at high risk for opioid overdose.
Description
Keywords
Overdose, Opioids, Opiates, Naloxone, Mexico
Citation
Bejarano Romero, R., Arredondo Sánchez-Lira, J., Slim Pasaran, S., Chávez Rivera, A., Angulo Corral, L., Salimian, A., Romero Vadillo, J. J., & Goodman-Meza, D. (2023). Implementing a decentralized opioid overdose prevention strategy in Mexico, a pending public policy issue. The Lancet Regional Health - Americas, 23, 100535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2023.100535