The annual meeting of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) National Chapters and the conference of the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR) took place in Thessaloniki, Greece, spanning five days from June 24 to 28, 2024.
During the first two days (June 24–25), the ISSUP National Chapters meeting convened with representatives from 39 countries participating in the global network. This year marked the first time the delegation from Vietnam was invited, signifying significant progress for Vietnam in the field of substance use. Joining the global ISSUP network will offer Vietnam numerous opportunities to develop robust training and intervention systems, enhance the capacity of the domestic workforce, and professionalize substance use prevention and treatment in Vietnam.
Delegates from various countries attending the ISSUP National Chapters meeting 2024
During the next three days (June 26–28), the delegation from Vietnam, including representatives from the Vietnam-International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC), attended and presented at the ICUDDR Conference. Themed “Art of Healing,” this year’s conference attracted delegates from 156 countries and 15 international organizations. The aim was to promote collaboration and facilitate the sharing of the latest knowledge in substance use disorder prevention, intervention, and training.
ICUDDR Conference
V-ITTC representatives with ICUDDR Executive Director (Dr. Kevin Mulvey) and INL representative (Ms. Anne Louise Chick)
The conference had 2 plenary and 32 specialized panel sessions, along with 68 poster presentations. The two plenary sessions focused on global substance use trends and international cooperation to address the spread of synthetic drugs. The sessions’ presentations emphasized the importance of close collaboration between health agencies, social organizations, and law enforcement agencies to implement effective monitoring and treatment strategies. Specialized panel sessions concentrated on specific issues such as emerging drugs, new intervention methods, training programs, and research findings in addiction, as well as social aspects influencing substance abuse. The conference significantly contributed to enhancing global awareness and knowledge of drugs.
The delegation from Vietnam that attended the ICUDDR Conference included representatives from the Government Office, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) in Vietnam, the Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control – Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Public Security, and Hanoi Medical University.
The delegation from Vietnam attending the ICUDDR Conference 2024
The V-ITTC representatives shared Vietnam’s substance use situation through presentations on the following topics: (1) enhancing community reintegration for people with a history of substance use in Vietnam; (2) examining the successes and challenges encountered in implementing methadone maintenance treatment in Vietnam; and (3) a collaborative approach to addressing substance use among PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) clients at the sexual health promotion clinic in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Nguyen Thu Trang, PhD, presenting at the ICUDDR Conference 2024
Nguyen Bich Diep, MD, PhD, presenting at the ICUDDR Conference 2024
Mai Quang Anh, MSW, presenting at the ICUDDR Conference 2024
In addition to participating in specialized panel sessions, V-ITTC delegates actively engaged in networking meetings with members of the International Technology Transfer Center (ITTC) Network. These meetings sparked vibrant discussions on operational insights and future development strategies.
The Global Event “Art of Healing” in Thessaloniki, Greece, in 2024 was a great success. The event provided experts and researchers on substance abuse from Vietnam with valuable opportunities to learn and exchange practical experiences with other countries. Attending and participating in this event contributed to enhancing understanding and international cooperation in reducing drug demand and addressing related issues in Vietnam and globally.
For more information about this event, please click on the following links:
- https://thessaloniki2024.exordo.com/programme/at-a-glance
- https://www.issup.net/about-issup/workshops/thessaloniki-2024
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k75pyLPAdc&ab_channel=ISSUP
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