The UN Single Convention of Narcotic Drugs (1962) recognized that the medical use of narcotic drugs continues to be indispensable for the relief of pain and suffering, and that adequate provision must be made to ensure the availability of narcotic drugs for such purposes.

 

How much of a reality has this become throughout the world, and especially in Oceania?

There continues to be great variation in access to opioids around Oceania and the Western Pacific.  International Narcotic Control Board (INCB) data for 2020, expressed in morphine equivalents mg/person, illustrate these differences.

High Income CountriesL Singapore,13.21, Japan, 21.38, Republic of Korea/South Korea, 48.56; New Zealand 78.4; Australia 186.7. 

Low and Middle income countries: Fiji,1.83; Philippines, 0.56; Palau, 0.55; Tuvalu, 0.09; Tonga, 0.01; Tuvalu, 0.09; Papua New Guinea, Guinea, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands; 0 mg/person.

 

Countries have the ability to use more opioids, submitting estimates of need to the INCB, using its guidelines. A simple estimate in Timor Leste showed a minimum annual need of 60 kg as opposed to the 1 kg currently consumed per year.

 

Dr Cleary will explore opportunities to overcome the multiple barriers that exist in each country, to improve the supply chain issues that have been worsened by COVID-19 pandemic and to address education on the use of medical opioids, long identified by WHO as essential medicines.