On October 14, 2024, a pivotal round table meeting took place in Bishkek to discuss the
progress and outcomes of the Stop Overdose Safely (S-O-S) initiative. Held at the Orion Hotel
and moderated by Chinara Maatkerimova (UNODC, Kyrgyz Republic), the event brought
together experts and stakeholders from Australia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan
to exchange insights on the impact of naloxone dissemination in preventing opioid overdose
deaths.
The meeting featured keynote presentations by Dr. Paul Dietze (Burnet Institute, Australia) and
Mr. Danil Nikitin (GLORI Foundation, Kyrgyzstan), who highlighted the significant results of
the S-O-S initiative. Key takeaways included:
– Research Findings: Over 494,000 drug-related deaths globally underscore the urgent need for
improved harm reduction strategies. The S-O-S initiative contributed to saving lives through the
training of over 14,000 witnesses in naloxone administration, leading to many overdose
reversals.
– Naloxone Distribution: A major announcement revealed the forthcoming dissemination of
40,000 ampules of naloxone, broadening access to this essential life-saving medication.
Key Discussion Points:
– Sustainability: Participants explored strategies to ensure the long-term success of naloxone
distribution, including scalable models that can be implemented in other countries.
– Protocol Improvements: Discussions focused on simplifying procedures to make naloxone more
accessible, particularly for individuals with little or no experience with drug use.
– Programs in Prisons: The group emphasized the importance of integrating naloxone access into
programs for prisoners, aiming to reduce overdose deaths among vulnerable populations.
– ERNA’s Role: The ERNA Secretariat offered its platforms to amplify the achievements of the S-
O-S project, supporting broader dissemination of project updates, research outcomes, and
future initiatives.
The event concluded with a strong commitment from all parties to continue scaling up naloxone
distribution, develop cost-effective administration devices, and collaborate on harm reduction
programs in Kyrgyzstan and beyond.
For more information on the S-O-S initiative, visit:
– WHO Joint UNODC-WHO Programme on Drug Dependence Treatment and Care (https://www.who.int/initiatives/joint-unodc-who-programme-on-drug-dependence-treatment-and-care/S-O-S-initiative)
– UNODC Stop Overdose Safely (S-O-S) (https://www.unodc.org/unodc/drug-prevention-and-treatment/ITWG/stop-overdose-safely-s-o-s.html)
