The World Health Organization has updated several recommendations for the treatment of opioid dependency and community management of opioid overdose.
Opioid use remains a major global health burden. In 2023, an estimated 316 million people worldwide used the drug, including around 61 million who used opioids non-medically. Of the approximately 600,000 drug-related deaths worldwide, about 450,000 were linked to opioid use.
The WHO maintained its recommendation for opioid agonist maintenance treatment, including methadone and oral buprenorphine, and added long-acting injectable buprenorphine as a conditional option.
The updated guidelines are expected later in 2026 or in early 2027 and will include detailed recommendations, evidence profiles, implementation considerations and other relevant information.
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