Strenghtening Synthetic Opioids health systems’ preparedness to respond to the potential increases in prevalence and use of Synthetic Opioids

ended

In Europe, as in North America, highly potent synthetic opioids (SO) are a growing health threat. There are reports on the growing SO availability, use and related overdose. This raises the following question: How can EU countries be prepared and equipped for a continued rise in SO prevalence, use and incidents? The aim of project SO-PREP is to contribute to the enhancement of SO-PREParedness of the European Member States to effectively monitor and respond to SO-related health risks, hazards, and harms. Objectives are 1. Gaining a better insight and understanding of the current use and trends of SO and related health needs in Europe, 2. Strenghten the national health system SO preparedness 3. Developing an evidence-based toolkit for implementing enhanced SO monitoring and response capacity The project will assess the European situation and learn from experiences in North America and in Estonia (the only European country with extensive SO experience). Next, the project will assess SO health system response capacity and develop a model SO preparedness. Finally, all of this will lead to the development of a Toolkit with clear and concise guidelines for implementing 6 key responses to emerging SO as advised by the EMCDDA: internet monitoring, drug checking, drug consumption rooms, take-home naloxone programmes, user information, targeted preventive information via e-Health, and substitution treatment. The project partnership includes 3 National Health agencies (including National Reitox Focal Points), 2 research agencies and 1 European network. It provides a balanced combination of science, public policy support, programme implementation and networking capacity. The expected impact of the project is: • A better understanding of the current SO situation • National health systems that are more informed, prepared and equipped with regard to the continued emergence of SO • Timely and adequate implementation of tailored SO key responses to mitigate related problems of dependency and (fatal and non-fatal) incidents Through SO-PREP, policies and services of European countries will be timely and adequately prepared for the continued increasing prevalence, use, harms and hazards of highly potent SO.