Why New Zealand Needs Take-Home Naloxone Now
The time for change is well and truly overdue.
Imagine having a life-saving antidote for overdoses within arm's reach, but being unable to access it due to bureaucratic hurdles. That's the reality in New Zealand, where the rollout of take-home naloxone lags far behind countries like the US, Scotland, and Wales. In this eye-opening episode of 'Making Sense of 'Drugs', Julian Buchanan dives into why New Zealand is struggling to implement easy access to this crucial medication.
Despite strong recommendations from the NZ Law Commission and various advocacy groups, naloxone hasn't been prioritized in national drug policies. Julian breaks down the lack of political will, contentious debates, and puzzling statements in government briefings that have stalled progress. With a high percentage of overdose deaths occurring before paramedics can arrive, getting naloxone into the hands of users, their families, and friends is more urgent than ever.
Julian also highlights the pivotal role advocacy groups play in pushing for policy changes and shares compelling stories that underline the life-saving potential of naloxone. If you're keen to understand the barriers and benefits of naloxone distribution in New Zealand, this episode is a must-listen.