AFFAIRS: ITALY’S DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS HALVED IN 10 YEARS

Italy’s drug overdose deaths have fallen 50pc during the last decade, ahead of European averages. Figures also point to a strong geographical variance in the figure, with deaths increasing in south-central Italy and falling in northern parts of the country.

Italy’s central Umbria region scores the highest death rates. The figures were surveyed during today’s presentation of 2010 health service reports to parliament.