SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and the ASEAN Harm Reduction Association (AHRA), comprising eight regional HIV/AIDS organisations, have issued a Collective Call to Action, prioritising access to Naloxone to prevent drug overdose deaths and promote public health.
This plea coincides with International Overdose Awareness Day 2023.
Malaysian Aids Council, in a statement, said Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, displacing them, and restoring normal breathing and consciousness.
"Opioids significantly impact drug-related morbidity and mortality in Asia, with overdose-related fatalities being a major concern.
"The region has a substantial population of opioid users, and Asia also faces challenges related to amphetamine use," it added.
However, the Collective Call to Action provides evidence-based policy recommendations and actionable steps to prioritise harm reduction within national health and drug policies.
Naloxone's cost-efficiency and life-saving potential make it a crucial lifesaving tool, the council said.
"The call urges governments to include Naloxone in National Essential Drugs Lists and allocate budget resources for its availability.
"Training initiatives should also target peer educators to disseminate knowledge within communities," it added.
Furthermore, the Council said Naloxone should be readily available at drop-in centres run by peers and NGOs, serving as vital points of contact for individuals in need.
It added that the Call to Action underscores the urgent need for policy reforms to ensure Naloxone access.
"Governments, policymakers, the public, funders, and society at large must unite to save lives, reduce harm, and compassionately address drug-related challenges in Southeast Asia," it said.
The MAC was established in 1992 under the Health Ministry's purview with a mission to represent, mobilise, and strengthen NGOs and communities working on HIV/AIDS issues.
For more information, please visit mac.org.my or contact Azahemy Abdullah at 016 646 5874 or communications@mac.org.my.