Intervention team of V-ITTC conducted site surveys to implement the pilot model of Social and Legal Assistance, Consultation, and Referral Services for People Who Use Drugs

During 2 weeks from February 6 to 17, 2023, the intervention team from the Vietnam – International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) – Hanoi Medical University, and representatives from the Sub-Department of Social Evils Prevention of Hanoi conducted site surveys in 6 wards of 3 districts of Hanoi – Cau Giay, Thanh Tri, and Hoan Kiem – to assess the readiness of the district/ward-level volunteer social workers, explore the advantages and challenges of approaching drug users, and collect information about social and healthcare services available in the local community, in order to implement the pilot model of Social and Legal Assistance, Consultation, and Referral Services for People Who Use Drugs in 2023.

Playing the role of the main technical support and implementation unit, V-ITTC – Hanoi Medical University, will collaborate with the Sub-Department of Social Evils Prevention of Hanoi to implement the pilot model integrated with effective evidence-based psychosocial interventions such as Motivational Interviewing and Case Management to help returnees (those who return home after being sent to compulsory drug rehabilitation centers by law) reintegrate into the community and gain additional knowledge on the health care services and legal advice available in the local community.

In the first week of March 2023, V-ITTC – Hanoi Medical University will organize a 2-day training course on Motivational Interviewing and Case Management for 15 volunteer social workers from 3 selected wards of 3 districts of Hanoi and 2 officers from the Sub-Department of Social Evils Prevention of Hanoi to be able to implement and monitor intervention activities throughout the implementation process.