Superheroes Raise Awareness of Lifesaving Medicines for Drug Users

In many developed countries like the United States, medication-assisted treatment is a standard option for people who are dependent on heroin and other opiates. However, in most developing and transitional countries where injection drug use drives the HIV epidemic, these medicines are largely inaccessible—or even banned outright. The Open Society Institute’s International Harm Reduction Development Program has developed a campaign, Where's the Methadone?, to raise awareness about the glaring lack of access to these lifesaving drugs.

Methadone and buprenorphine, also known as medication-assisted treatment, are the best-researched and most effective treatments for opiate dependence. By eliminating withdrawal and reducing cravings, methadone and buprenorphine allow opiate users to reduce or stop injection, which helps prevent HIV. Because they help people stabilize their lives, they also promote adherence to AIDS treatment medications. Methadone and buprenorphine are on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines.

Read more about the campaign and how to take action at www.wheresthemethadone.org or www.wheresthebupe.org.