Purpose of review: Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a global phenomenon and is on the rise in Africa, denoting a shift from historical patterns of drug transport to internal consumption. In contrast, opioids for clinical pain management in Africa remain among the least available globally. This region also has the highest HIV and HCV disease burden, and the greatest shortages of health workers and addiction treatment. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to describe opioid use in Africa and how it is being addressed.
Recent findings: A total of 84 articles from 2000 to 2018 were identified. Descriptions of country-specific populations and patterns of opioid misuse were common. A smaller number of articles described interventions to address OUD.
Summary: OUD occurs in sub-Saharan Africa, with attendant clinical and social costs. Evidence-based policies and health system resources are needed to promote OUD prevention and management, and infectious disease transmission reduction.
Keywords: Addiction; Africa; HCV; HIV; health workforce; opioid agonist treatment; opioid use disorder; people who inject drugs.