WHO Database Documents Lack of Resources To Treat Substance Abuse

September 4, 2012

The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Information System on Resources for the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders maps and monitors health system resources at the country level. Data from 147 countries (88 percent of the world population), collected in 2008, show that there are only 1.7 beds per 100,000 people available to treat alcohol and drug use disorders. Methadone and buprenorphine are available to treat opioid addiction in 30 percent of countries, and only 9 percent of nations utilize routine screening and brief interventions for alcohol use and alcohol use disorders in primary health care settings. The new Global Health Observatory provides reports, country statistics, maps, and interactive charts with details about substance use disorders and other health topics. Access the Global Health Observatory through the WHO website.