WHO withdraws opioid guidance as groups urge revisions 
 
The World Health Organization (WHO) has withdrawn two pain management guidelines, citing new scientific evidence since the guidelines were released in 2011 and 2012. In a statement WHO acknowledged the need for opioids but also that the need must be balanced with concerns about harm and misuse of the drugs. The organization withdrew the guidelines after two members of the U.S. Congress released a report accusing the WHO guidelines of having been influenced by opioid manufacturers.   Link to source>> Dozens of organizations from around the world have responded to the withdrawal by signing a joint statement urging the WHO to revise and update the guidelines, and for heads of state to collaborate with palliative care and pain experts and others to prevent misuse.  Link to source>>