The role of national toxicology centers in addressing issues of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of poisoning, toxicovigilance and chemical safety

Poisoning is a serious contemporary global public health problem. WHO estimates that, in 2019, unintentional poisoning caused 106,683 deaths and the loss of 6.3 million years of healthy life (disability-adjusted life years). According to the WHO, as of January 1, 2023, only 47% of WHO member states have established Poison Control Centers (PCC). Aim. Study of the role of toxicology centers in addressing issues of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of poisoning, toxicovigilance and chemical safety. Materials and Methods. The analytical review of scientific publications was performed using the abstract databases of PubMed, Medline and text databases of scientific publishers PubMed, Central, BMJ group and other VIP databases. The analysis of the GBD (Global Burden of Diseases) reporting materials and methodological materials of the World Health Organization (WHO) was carried out. The methods of systematic, comparative and content analysis were used. Results and Discussion. The article analyzes the experience of establishing PCC in different countries of the world, highlights the structure and functions of the centers; summarizes the methodological documents of WHO and other international organizations regulating the PCC activities. The establishment and strengthening of PPCs is also a priority action for governments in the WHO Chemicals Road Map to reinforce the role of the health sector in reaching the goals of the strategic approach to international chemicals management. A PPC is a specialized unit that advises and assists in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of poisoning. The structure and functions of PCCs vary in different countries, but at a minimum, a PCCs is an information service. PCC should also include a clinical department and/or a laboratory for toxicological tests. Other functions of the PCC are toxicovigilance, analysis and monitoring of chemical incidents, data collection and research in the field of toxicology to establish epidemiological patterns and causes of poisoning; coordination of antidotes and antivenom supplies, teaching and training. Conclusions. Due to the war in Ukraine, the risks of the population poisoning with chemicals released into the air as a result of hostilities, destruction of infrastructure and energy facilities, fires, etc. have increased. The establishment of the National PCC in Ukraine, the need for which was obvious, became an urgent priority. The Decree of the President of Ukraine № 104/2021 of March 19, 2021 "On the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine of March 19, 2021 "On measures to improve chemical safety in Ukraine" announced the decision to establish a clinical toxicology center.