Opening: The Significance of the STAR-OM study

Associate Professor Dr. Le Minh Giang, MD, PhD emphasized that this is the first large-scale study in Vietnam to implement interventions aimed at reducing methamphetamine use among patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment, in the context of increasingly common concurrent use of heroin and meth. The STAR-OM study has demonstrated both the feasibility and effectiveness of Contingency Management (CM) and psychosocial therapies, showing noticeable reductions in meth and heroin use during at least the first 12 weeks. In addition, the ASSIST screening tool has shown potential to be as effective as urine testing, making it suitable for broader application in MMT clinics and primary healthcare settings.

Research overview and intervention effectiveness

In the opening presentation, Associate Professor Dr. Le Minh Giang provided an overview of the STAR-OM study and highlighted its key findings: high participation rates, dual effectiveness in reducing both methamphetamine and heroin use, and the potential to integrate interventions into the existing methadone maintenance treatment system. He emphasized that scaling up psychosocial interventions – particularly Contingency Management (CM) – is entirely feasible in Vietnam. He also recommended the use of screening tools such as ASSIST as an alternative to urine testing, noting their potential to reduce costs and improve overall effectiveness.

Patterns of methamphetamine use in methadone maintenance programs

Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Thi Hai Van and Dr. Nguyen Bich Diep analyzed the diverse patterns of methamphetamine use among methadone patients and their impact on treatment adherence. The study found that both the reasons for meth use (such as emotional relief or social interaction) and the form of use (crystal or pill) were closely linked to the risk of discontinuing methadone maintenance treatment. The speakers emphasized the importance of regular screening, behavioral classification, and the design of individualized interventions to improve treatment outcomes.

Economic Effectiveness of the Intervention

Dr. Nguyen Le Tuan Anh presented a health economic analysis showing that a 12-week CM intervention achieved higher response rates compared to a 6-week program, with only a modest increase in cost. However, among patients who did not respond to CM, adding the Matrix therapy provided only limited additional benefits. These findings suggest the need for flexible treatment planning, tailored to each patient’s level of response.

Opportunities and Challenges in Implementation

Dr. Nguyen Thu Trang shared experiences from implementing the STAR-OM intervention at MMT clinics. Both patients and healthcare staff reported that the intervention helped reduce methamphetamine use. However, several challenges remain, including workforce shortages, low healthcare staff salaries, and a legal framework that does not yet permit MMT clinics to intervene directly in methamphetamine use. These barriers highlight the need for policy support and adjustments in institutional roles to ensure sustainability when scaling up the model.

The panel discussion, chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Le Minh Giang, Professor Steve Shoptaw, and Professor Li Li, highlighted several key points:

• MMT clinics have the capacity to deliver psychosocial interventions, provided that staff receive adequate training and supervision.
• A combination of approaches (CM, Matrix, and future pharmacological options) is needed to achieve comprehensive effectiveness.
• Vietnam requires models tailored to its available resources and legal framework – ensuring effective treatment while remaining consistent with drug control regulations.

Representatives from MMT clinics and regulatory agencies also shared their perspectives on the impacts of recent changes to the drug control law, including concerns over declining patient numbers and funding constraints. Participants unanimously agreed on the need for standardized training materials that can be used not only by healthcare providers but also by community workers and police forces, thereby extending interventions to the grassroots level.

The workshop concluded with a commitment to further develop training materials and expand research on the STAR-OM intervention model. Evidence from the study confirms that reducing methamphetamine use within Vietnam’s methadone maintenance treatment system is entirely feasible – contributing to improved treatment quality, reducing the burden of synthetic drugs, and safeguarding public health in the context of rapidly evolving epidemiological trends.

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.

On December 27, 2024, the Center for Research and Training on Substance Abuse and HIV (CREATA-H), Hanoi Medical University, SHP Clinic (Hanoi Medical University Hospital), and the WeCare Social Enterprise (SE) collaborated with Lighthouse SE Clinic to organize a training workshop titled “Screening, Brief Interventions, and Referral to Treatment for Substance Abuse.” This training targeted professionals currently working at Lighthouse SE Clinic. Participants in the training came from diverse professional backgrounds, including psychology, nursing, medicine, social work, and other related fields. These individuals brought extensive experience working in the PrEP program and engaging with various community groups. The workshop’s training team included notable experts such as Dr. Nguyễn Hữu Anh, a researcher in the Substance Abuse Specialist Group at CREATA-H, and Mr. Trần Văn Hưởng, a PrEP program counsellor at SHP Clinic. This initiative exemplifies the collaborative effort among stakeholders to enhance technical expertise and broaden the impact of the PrEP program, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes.

Trainees listening to the lecture on the process of SBIRT

During the training, the instructors shared in-depth knowledge on key topics, including: (a) Overview of addictive substances; (b) Stages of behavioral change and Motivational Interviewing; (c) Introduction to the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) toolkit; (d) Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (BIRT); and (e) SBIRT implementation procedure and experiences implementing at SHP clinic. In addition to theoretical content, the training featured practical activities such as scenario-based discussions and role-playing exercises. These activities enabled participants to not only understand the theoretical framework but also practice applying SBIRT procedures effectively.

Trainees participating in practical role-playing activities

The training concluded successfully, thanks to the active participation of the attendees. It provided an opportunity to share and discuss specialized knowledge, paving the way for the effective application of the SBIRT model in addressing substance use among clients participating in the PrEP program.

Photo (from left to right): Mr. Nguyen Van Lap – Director of the Hanoi Sub-Department of Social Evils Prevention and Dr. Le Minh Giang, Dean of School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Center for Training and Research on Subsance abuse-HIV Hanoi Medical University.

The lecturers consist of experts in the field of addiction treatment from the Hanoi Sub-Department of Social Evils Prevention, the Hanoi CDC, and the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV, Hanoi Medical University. During the three days of training, the lecturers shared in-depth knowledge on related topics, including: regulations related to drug prevention, common drugs in adolescents, adolescent brain development, UNFT-based treatment family intervention with adolescents experiencing substance use issues (UNFT; United Nations family-based treatment for youths with drug use disorders), and lessons learned from piloting family therapy interventions for adolescents with substance abuse problems in Vietnam.

         
Photo: Trainees listened to lectures and participated in role-playing activities

In addition to theory, the training course also organized role-playing activities to help trainees practice applying the UNFT family therapy method to solve real-life situations, such as conflicts between parents and children related to substance use. The activities encouraged trainees to share their experiences working with families, recognize positive aspects in family relationships, and discuss common challenges in family therapy. Trainees completed pre- and post-training assessment tests to evaluate changes in knowledge related to family therapy in rehabilitation treatment for adolescents with substance use disorders.

Photo: Trainees discussed in groups about situations encountered in family therapy intervention

The current training course equipped trainees with the necessary knowledge and skills to apply the UNFT-based family therapy method in their work supporting adolescents who use substances. The training course provided participants with an updated understanding of family therapy concepts and principles, hands-on practice for each stage of family therapy intervention, and insights into tackling challenges when working with families of adolescents using substances. These essential skills empower rehabilitation center staff to better address adolescent substance use while fostering healthy, sustainable family relationships.

The meeting was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Minh Giang, Deputy Director of the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV (CREATA-H) of Hanoi Medical University, which manages and provides technical coordination for SHP Clinic; MSc. Dr. Hoang Nam Thai; and MSc. Dr. Ramona Bhatia, Dr. Serena Yang Zhao from the CDC Atlanta, USA, along with management staff from both organizations.

At the opening of the program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Minh Giang delivered a speech introducing the purpose and significance of the meeting, emphasizing the importance of data systems in optimizing the effectiveness of the PrEP program.

Following this, Dr. Bui Thi Minh Hao and MSc. Dr. Dang Thi Huong presented the HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis program at SHP and the system for managing and utilizing program data to monitor and evaluate service quality at  SHP Clinic. During the session, MSc. Dr. Van Dinh Hoa and MSc. Dr. Dang Thi Huong provided practical demonstrations and insights into the operation and utilization of the data system.

The meeting concluded with an exchange, discussion, and Q&A session on data management and usage for the HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis program at SHP, moderated by MSc. Dr. Hoang Nam Thai, MSc. Dr. Ramona Bhatia, and Dr. Serena Yang Zhao.

The event offered valuable insights and contributed to guiding improvements in the PrEP data management system, ensuring the program’s sustainability and effectiveness in the future

1. Organizing and Collaborating Units

The Nam Health initiative is coordinated by the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV at Hanoi Medical University, in partnership with WECARE Social Enterprise and the Faculty of Creative Writing – Journalism at Hanoi University of Culture. The program aims to nurture and support a core group of students to carry out communication activities, promoting health knowledge among male students at Hanoi University of Culture and expanding to other universities in the area.

2. Objectives and Content

The Nam Health Program focuses on providing knowledge on topics such as raising awareness on gender issues, gender diversity, and sexual orientation; sexual health and the importance of sexual safety; HIV and STI prevention; equipping students with knowledge and skills for HIV and STI prevention; community work; reaching at-risk groups; and supporting referrals when necessary. The core student team from Hanoi University of Culture participates in training sessions to gain knowledge and communication skills, becoming the pioneering force in spreading messages on health and sexual safety within the student community.
The program utilizes creative communication formats like short videos with embedded messages, photo contests, and group activities within school communities. It also enhances the use and dissemination of messages on social media platforms favored by young people.

3. Program Results and Significance

After three months of implementation, the program organized four training sessions for the Nam Health Team on topics such as HIV and STIs, gender and gender sensitivity, community outreach skills, and skills for organizing and producing health education communication products. Mr. Dau Sy Nguyen, the program coordinator, noted, “The program selected seven outstanding students from Hanoi University of Culture to form the Nam Health Team. These members participated in training, gaining knowledge and skills to implement communication activities and spread messages on gender, sexual diversity, and sexual health and safety. They then became the link to share what they learned with their communities.”

Mr. Dau Sy Nguyen, the program coordinator

After training, the Nam Health Team members planned, organized, and successfully coordinated four knowledge-sharing sessions on health through various creative and engaging formats, attracting the participation of over 400 young students from major universities in Hanoi, including the University of Foreign Trade, the University of Transport, the University of Technology, and Hanoi University of Culture.

 Biệt đội Sức khỏe nam sinh gồm 7 thành viên

Within the program framework, the creative photo contest “Photovoice: PrEPared for Life” was also successfully organized, receiving more than 50 entries. Many of these entries delivered meaningful messages, promoting positive health messages among young people in Hanoi.

The program’s online communication activities reached over 6,000 social media users, demonstrating the powerful spread of effective and positive communication products created by the participating students.

TTalkshow: “On PrEP – From Awareness to Effectiveness”

Additionally, the program has successfully reached, informed, and referred 11 young male students in Hanoi to register for PrEP and other health services at the SHP Clinic, Hanoi Medical University Hospital. This impressive number demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in increasing knowledge and access to preventive and sexual safety measures for students.

Mr. Pham Van Tam, Deputy Head of Student Affairs at Hanoi University of Culture

Mr. Pham Van Tam, Deputy Head of Student Affairs at Hanoi University of Culture, commented, “Hanoi University of Culture strongly supports health promotion programs for students, reflected in our curriculum and comprehensive health activities for students. We believe that quality programs like Nam Health will provide valuable health benefits for our students’ physical and mental well-being.”

Dr. Do Thi Thu Thuy, Head of the Faculty of Creative Writing and Journalism

Dr. Do Thi Thu Thuy, Head of the Faculty of Creative Writing and Journalism, emphasized, “Health communication for students is essential, especially since young students lack experience and skills to protect themselves. The Faculty of Creative Writing and Journalism is honored to collaborate with CREATA-H, WECARE Social Enterprise, and the SHP Clinic to bring positive values and improve student health within the Faculty and Hanoi University of Culture as a whole.”

Student Nguyen Duy Do, a member of the Nam Health Team

Student Nguyen Duy Do, a member of the Nam Health Team, shared, “Before participating in this program, I didn’t have much knowledge about sexual safety, especially preventive measures. After engaging in the program’s beneficial activities, I gained valuable knowledge to keep myself safe. I also feel more confident speaking in front of groups, sharing my thoughts and what I’ve learned with my friends and teachers.”

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