UN: Tens of Millions in World Suffer from Drug Use Disorders

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of the United Nations (UN )said that tens of millions of people around the world suffer from drug use disorders, and less than 20% are receiving treatment.

In his message on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which falls on June 26 of each year, Guterres indicated that drug users are victimized twice: first because of the harmful effects of the drug itself and second because of the stigma and discrimination they face. The UN chief added that people who use drugs can often face significant barriers to accessing treatment and even health services for infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

Meanwhile, they continue to be targeted by drug traffickers, who are rapidly increasing the production of dangerous and highly addictive synthetic drugs.

The Secretary-General called on the global community to continue working to end drug abuse and illicit trafficking and the stigma suffered by drug users around the world.