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Due to an accelerated increase among the population of cases related to overdose due to drug use and sexually transmitted diseases such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the Canadian federal authorities determined to install opioid antidote vending machines, tests for the detection of HIV and COVID, as well as syringes and other health products.
In a first experimental phase, the vending machines will be installed in four communities in the province of New Brunswic, located in eastern Canada.
It is contemplated that the devices will work in the same way as other dispensers, mostly food merchandise such as bottles of water, sodas, juices, cookies or snacks.
This project was developed between the MAP Center for Urban Health Solutions and a group of hospitals with the aim of making products available to the population that allow people to assess their health condition. in case of presenting damage to the body related to drug use or sexually transmitted diseases.
The initial phase of this proposal will start on Monday with the installation of vending machines called “Our Healthbox” (our health box).
It is contemplated that, throughout this year, 50 of these machines will have been installed and that, in 2026, the figure will double, since it is estimated that in addition to the increase in deaths due to the intake of synthetic drugs, 10% of people with HIV in Canada are unaware that they have contracted the virus and by not performing any type of test they could be infecting more individuals.
It is noteworthy that, Between January and June of last year, more than 3,500 people died from opioid overdoses in Canada, but also from not being able to access products like Naloxone, considered one of the most effective antidotes against overdose.
Although this project is a novelty for Canadians, in some countries it has been operating for years with positive results.
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