On November 7, 2023, the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV, Hanoi University of Medicine, organized a conference to share research results with the topic “Innovations to improve substance use intervention in Vietnam.” The conference was part of the framework of the 3rd Advisory Board meeting of the research project “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Screening, Treatment, and Post-Treatment Support Models for Methadone Patients Who Use Methamphetamine in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City” (the research project was approved in Decision No. 3970/QD-BYT by the Ministry of Health). The purpose of the conference was to update the situation and research results on various groups of substance users in Vietnam, thereby identifying new research ideas and determining the plan for transferring research results into practical implementation.
The conference had the participation of various individuals, including: Professor. Nguyen Huu Tu, Principals of Hanoi Medical University; Mr. Nguyen Cuu Duc, Deputy Head of the Department of Education and Social Affairs (Government Office); MD. Vo Hai Son, Deputy Director of Vietnam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control (Ministry of Health); Representatives from the Department of Social Evils Prevention and Control (Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs), the Hanoi Department of Social Evils Prevention and Control, and the Centers for Disease Control in Hanoi and Hai Phong; Experts from international organizations and domestic and foreign scientists specializing in substance abuse. Additionally, the conference featured online participation from healthcare professionals working in methadone clinics, opioid treatment centers, and drug rehabilitation facilities nationwide via the Zoom platform.
Opening speech at the conference, Professor Dr. Nguyen Huu Tu, Principals of Hanoi Medical University, emphasized the importance of updating and innovating proven effective interventions in the treatment of HIV and substance abuse. He also highlighted the significance of enhancing cooperation between domestic and international organizations as the foundation for advancing meaningful scientific research.
During the seminar, Dr. Nguyen Bich Diep (Hanoi Medical University) and Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh Tam (VAAC) presented the current situation of substance use and its health consequences in Vietnam. They also made proposals to expand the methadone distribution program to multiple days, adjust criteria to allow potential patients to participate, and integrate services such as diagnosis, referral, and treatment for related health issues like HIV, Hepatitis C, and PrEP. Particularly, they discussed mental health issues in the context of substance use through the research of Dr. Laurent Michel (Pierre Nicole Center, Paris), Dr. Le Sao Mai (Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy) on mental health interventions for drug users in Hai Phong, and Professor Dr. Bradley Gaynes and Dr. Tran Viet Ha (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) on mental health interventions for HIV patients in the VITAL program.
During the conference, Professor Dr. Li Li (University of California, Los Angeles, USA) and Dr. Pham Hong Thang (National Institute of Epidemiology, Vietnam) introduced the Community Care Consortium (CCC) intervention implemented in Vietnam. Professor Dr. Gavin Bart (University of Minnesota) presented research on the drug interaction between methadone and HIV treatment (NVP/EFV) in HIV-positive drug users using population pharmacokinetics (MAPS).
They emphasized the central role of patients and the need for specialized care for special patient populations. The development of comprehensive indicators for screening, testing, treatment, and maintaining a sustained care continuum for patients was highlighted. However, they also acknowledged that innovations come with challenges that future research needs to address.
At the seminar, three scholarships (each worth 20,000,000 VND) were awarded to three postgraduate students in the scholarship program for postgraduate students implementing research supported by the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC), a program of the Association of Universities on Drug Demand Reduction. This scholarship program aims to assist postgraduate students in conducting research projects related to the field of substance abuse.
At the end of the seminar, scientists, doctors, and experts from both Vietnam and abroad engaged in discussions and shared their insights into the advantages and challenges of implementing interventions and research. They also exchanged ideas and discussed the connection between treatment, enhancing the capacity of healthcare facilities, and professionalization for healthcare professionals in the field of substance abuse treatment. The goal is to carry out research and interventions in Vietnam in the near future.
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