On the morning of May 15, 2025, a guest lecture entitled “From Prevention to Care in Substance Use Disorder: Lessons learned from Indonesia and Vietnam” was held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event welcomed representatives from the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) at Hanoi Medical University, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, ITTC Indonesia, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Indonesia (UNODC Indonesia). Conducted in a hybrid format, the lecture garnered the interest of numerous researchers, experts, students, and representatives from domestic and international organizations, with 32 participants attending in person at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia.

Mr. Ade Aulia, S.Psi, MAP, a speaker from UNODC Indonesia, delivered a presentation titled “Prevention, Treatment and Care for People Who Use Stimulant Drugs,” underscoring the vital importance of developing evidence-based interventions, expanding community outreach, and fostering cross-sector collaboration to enhance support for individuals affected by substance use.

Associate Professor Dr. Le Minh Giang, MD, PhD, a speaker from V-ITTC – Dean of School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health and Deputy Director of the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV (CREATA-H) at Hanoi Medical University – presented on “Expanding Treatment Options for People with Substance Use Disorders: Lessons Learned from Vietnam”.

With a solid professional foundation and extensive experience in research and community-based interventions, Dr. Giang shared Vietnam’s significant achievements in substance abuse treatment. He highlighted the country’s progress in reducing stigma toward people who use drugs and the implementation of evidence-based, contextually sustainable intervention models across various localities.

The guest lecture was successfully concluded, providing a valuable platform for experts and researchers from Vietnam and Indonesia to exchange knowledge and practical insights in substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and care. The event served as a meaningful step toward fostering mutual understanding and strengthening international cooperation in efforts to reduce drug demand and address related challenges in Vietnam, Indonesia, and the broader Southeast Asian region.

Photo (left to right): Dr. Nguyen Thanh Cuong, Vietnam UNODC Program Officer, and Dr. Le Minh Giang, Dean of School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University

The two-day training introduced participants to the “Strong Families” program, an evidence-based initiative designed to enhance family skills for parents and children aged 8-16 as a means of preventing drug abuse. Tailored to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills, the training prepares them to become future facilitators of the program. Expert instructors included Ms. Watjana Arunrangsi from UNODC Thailand, Ms. Shella Marquez from UNODC Philippines, and Ms. Lucky Pramitasari from UNODC Indonesia.

The “Strong Families” training offers trainees a comprehensive, learning experience with in-depth guidance on implementing the program in community settings. Through interactive sessions, trainees receive an overview of “Strong Families,” along with structured preparation modules for parents, children, and family groups. Each participant is provided with specialized training materials, ensuring they acquire the knowledge and skills needed to support parents and children in developing vital family skills. The program emphasizes positive communication, strategies for children to understand stress as a natural part of life, and ways to create a safe space for children to discuss their challenges with their parents. In addition to specialized knowledge, trainees engage in role-playing, interactive exercises, and family-oriented games, which foster bonding and build healthy, trust-based relationships within the family.

Photo: Participants engaging in lectures, group discussions, role-playing, and activities from the “Strong Families” program

The “Strong Families” training was a resounding success, leaving participants with valuable knowledge and positive impressions. In the coming months, trained facilitators and prevention staff will apply these skills and insights to support families in their communities, contributing to strong, positive family environments that encourage open communication and stronger connections among members.

Photos (from left to right): Tran Van Dat, PhD, Director of the Political Education and Student Affairs Department, Ministry of Education and Training; Nguyen Cuu Duc, PhD, Deputy Director General of the Department of Science, Education, Culture and Social Affairs, Office of the Government of Vietnam; and Le Minh Giang, MD, PhD, Dean of School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University

Under the instruction of a team of trainers from the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP), trainees were equipped with both foundational and advanced knowledge in drug use prevention. Topics covered included physiology, pharmacology, prevention work and science, behavior theory, and evidence-based interventions in the substance use prevention field.

Photo: Trainees engaged in lectures, group discussions, sharing professional experiences, and team-building activities.

The course combined theoretical knowledge with group-based practical exercises, allowing trainees to exchange real-world experiences with experts. Capacity-building training programs related to substance abuse prevention in Vietnam are still relatively new and currently face many challenges due to a lack of human resources in this field. This training session lays the foundation for providing knowledge to the team of trainers, covering topics such as prevention, the physiology and pharmacology of psychoactive substances, intervention theories and policies, international prevention standards, and the training requirements for experts, along with a professional code of ethics.

Photo: Trainers from the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP) – Dr. Maria Corazon Dumlao (left) and Ms. Susan Maua (right)

The training concluded successfully, with active participation from the trainees. In the coming period, these core trainers will play a key role in implementing the knowledge they acquired at their institutions and schools.

Photos: Members of the organizing committee with trainees

Over the course of three days, the trainees shared the advantages and challenges of implementing the model and practiced motivational interviewing. During the training, they also participated in group discussions, sharing real-life experiences from working with people who use drugs (PWUD). Through the dedicated guidance of the V-ITTC instructors, the trainees gained valuable methods for addressing the challenges they face in supporting individuals with substance use issues.

The training provided trainees with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of counseling for individuals with substance use disorders. The content covered basic counseling skills, methods for conducting a motivational interview, identifying stages of behavior change in substance users, and handling difficult situations. Notably, the trainees had the opportunity to practice motivational interviewing, applying the newly learned skills directly during the training sessions.

The training is a necessary preparatory step for the implementation of a pilot model of counseling, support, care, treatment, and drug addiction recovery in the community. This model aims to provide comprehensive counseling and support services for individuals with substance use disorders. It will not only focus on medical treatment but also integrate social services to better meet the diverse needs of PWUD.

After the training, the V-ITTC team will directly visit the selected areas to provide technical support to the trainees in their efforts to engage with and conduct motivational interviews with individuals who use drugs in the community. This program is being implemented by V-ITTC to help PWUD improve their health and raise awareness about available medical services, including insurance, legal support, and general healthcare. Preliminary results will shed light on the effectiveness of motivational interviewing and case management methods, serving as evidence for broader implementation in the future.

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

The training was led by experts with extensive experience in substance abuse treatment, including professionals from the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV, the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Hanoi Sub-department of Social Vices Prevention and Combat. The curriculum focused on equipping leaders with essential basic skills, ranging from the operational methods of the consulting points and the management mechanisms to the coordination and transfer of information, as well as the skills in counseling, supporting, caring for, and treating people who use drugs. During the training session, Dr. Han Dinh Hoe, PhD., a lecturer from the Hanoi Medical University and representative of the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC), shared his knowledge and instructed participants on effective communication, observation, questioning, listening, and client engagement skills.

In addition to acquiring knowledge from the lectures, trainees also engage in group practice sessions, have their questions answered, participate in discussions, and listen to the real-life experiences shared by both instructors and fellow trainees.

The training session was successful with active participation from officials in the fields of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, Public Security, and Healthcare. In the coming months, trainees will be part of the healthcare team directly applying the knowledge they have learned, conducting activities at the consulting points to care for and support clients, and treat drug addiction within the community.

The CME course on Methadone maintainace treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (A Basic course for physicians) engaged the participation of 42 doctors from various provinces including Hanoi, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City, Tra Vinh, Binh Thuan, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Tuyen Quang, Tien Giang, and Nghe An.

The CME course on Substance addiction diagnosis was attended by 22 physicians from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Thuan, Tien Giang, and Nghe An.

The instructors participating in the training course included experts with years of experience in the field of substance addiction treatment from the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV, Hanoi Center for Disease Control, Dong Da methadone treatment facility, and VAAC -Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control – Ministry of Health.

The two CME courses provided trainees with a wealth of knowledge, including insights into addiction mechanisms, methadone treatment, identifying drug addiction status, and more. Additionally, within the curriculum, participants engaged in hands-on activities with patients, evaluating them and determining addiction status, documenting medical records, and completing various forms. The instructional team fostered a positive learning environment, attracting active participation through a combination of classroom theory and practical application with patients. Furthermore, the training process facilitated exchanges between instructors and trainees, addressing queries and challenges in their work, and sharing practical experiences in dealing with patients with a history of addiction.

At the conclusion of the two training courses, participants underwent a final course assessment and completed practical exercises following the training. The outcome was that all trainees successfully completed the final knowledge assessment, with 100% of participants from both classes receiving CME certification.

Members of the Organizing Committee and Instructors were from  the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV, Hanoi Center for Disease Control, Dong Da methadone treatment facility, and VAAC -Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control – Ministry of Health.

To address this issue and enhance knowledge and behavior regarding drug abuse, from October to December 2023, the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC), in collaboration with the Documentary Center of Vietnam Television and VOV2 Voice of Vietnam, has developed a documentary script on the theme of addiction treatment, community reintegration, and prevention of synthetic drug use among adolescents.

Over the course of three days, on December 5, 7, and 12, 2023, three documentary episodes with the theme “The Road to Recovery” were aired on VTV2, the television channel of Vietnam Television. The final episode, titled “The Way Back,” was broadcasted on VTV1 on December 19, 2023.

The theme “Prevention for Adolescents Using Synthetic Drugs,” VOV2, the Voice of Vietnam, broadcasted the program live at 17:00 and re-aired it at 21:00 on Friday, December 15, 2023.

In the capacity of a technical advisor and expert interviewee representing the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC), the program covered interviews and documentary content related to the treatment and rehabilitation processes of drug addicts, as well as prevention for adolescents using synthetic drugs. The program aimed to provide viewers of Vietnam Television and Voice of Vietnam with an overview of drug addiction and the recovery process, emphasizing that it is a lengthy process requiring coordination among various agencies, organizations, the role of schools, social institutions, and notably, the family plays a crucial role in supporting adolescents in general and drug addicts in particular. Families are essential in prevention, participation in the treatment process, and achieving the best possible rehabilitation outcomes.

Link:

https://vtv.vn/video/nhung-manh-ghep-cua-cuoc-song-con-duong-hoi-phuc-tap-1-653206.htm

https://vtv.vn/video/nhung-manh-ghep-cua-cuoc-song-con-duong-hoi-phuc-tap-2-653369.htm

https://vtv.vn/video/nhung-manh-ghep-cua-cuoc-song-con-duong-hoi-phuc-tap-3-653956.htm

https://vtv.vn/video/phim-tai-lieu-loi-ve-tap-2-654756.htm

https://www.facebook.com/VOV2CUOCSONGMUONMAU/videos/869563341367856

The model, which focuses on managing, caring for, and supporting individuals after drug rehabilitation in residential areas, was implemented across districts and communes in Hanoi. From 2021 to 2023, the model conducted 11 basic and advanced training courses for all personnel involved, including counselors, the B93 Counseling Team with topics covering basic knowledge about drugs, drug addiction, and rehabilitation. The training also included processes and skills for working with drug users and families with drug users.

In addition, Hanoi University of Medicine also conducted 5 capacity-building training courses on social support in drug addiction treatment for over 400 staff members engaged in social crime prevention, management officials, and the implementation of post-rehabilitation management models. This included 7 training sessions to enhance the capacity of over 1,000 social work volunteer team members, and 11 training sessions on addiction treatment and post-rehabilitation management for commune, ward, and town officials.

On the morning of December 7, 2023, Dr. Han Dinh Hoe, a representative of the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC), shared the initial results of the evaluation of the “Feasibility and Acceptance of the intervention model to enhance the social and legal assistance, consultation, and referral services for people who use drugs” combined with Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Case Management (CM) online” implemented in 06 communes and wards in Hoan Kiem District, Cau Giay District, and Thanh Tri District. The results after three months of pilot implementation showed an increase in the utilization of healthcare and social services locally, along with a significant decrease in the concentration of people undergoing rehabilitation at the facility.

• The Support Model combined with Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Case Management (CM) online fostered a reliable, caring, and respectful relationship between Community Social Workers (CBW) and People who use drugs (PWUD).
• Information provided within the group was helpful, aiding PWUD in accessing and utilizing local services.
• Significant improvements in confidence were noted, leading to reduced substance use and enhanced recovery resources for clients, a condition conducive to reducing and discontinuing drug use.

The report also provided recommendations for scaling this model to other districts and communes in Hanoi, including:

• Extending the intervention period with information tailored to various needs of PWUD. Developing Zalo message services to meet customer needs.
• Implementing multiple CM channels suitable for customer conditions, whether group or individual, online, or in-person.
• Providing more extensive training on knowledge and skills for the CBW team.
• Developing a more specific support strategy for PWUD to truly meet their needs.

Based on this pilot program, the Hanoi Department for Social Vices Prevention will continue research to expand the model to other districts and communes in Hanoi in the coming years.

The training course saw the participation of 21 trainees from various universities, hospitals, and healthcare facilities directly involved in the field of research and addiction treatment. Participants represented institutions such as the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse and HIV, Hanoi University of Medicine; Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy; University of Labor and Social Affairs; National Children’s Hospital; Hanoi CDC, Hai Phong CDC, and more. The training was conducted under the guidance and instruction of two experts, Dr. Yatan from India and Mr. Achmad from Indonesia.

With many years of experience as a psychiatrist treating patients with substance use disorder issues, Dr. Yatan and Mr. Achmad shared their clinical experiences and provided an overview of the fundamental pharmacology of psychoactive substances. They focused on specific target groups and the associated challenges, considering mental disorders and comorbidities within these populations. Throughout the training, participants exchanged and shared their personal experiences in treatment and counseling, allowing them to draw insights for their own professional development. However, working with patients poses various difficulties and challenges, particularly in the adolescent group and among those with polydrug use. Through the exchange between participants and instructors, professional issues were addressed, contributing to the enhancement of participants’ skills and capabilities.

In the morning of November 12, 2023, the group of trainees participated in the international certification examination (ICAP 1). The exam covered the knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent expert in the field of substance addiction. The examination was conducted under the supervision of Ms. Samitha, the supervisor from the Colombo Plan.