Methadone take-home training course

From August 21 to August 30, 2023, the International Technology Transfer Center on Substance Abuse in Vietnam (V-ITTC), Hanoi University of Medicine, in collaboration with the Project Management Board for HIV/AIDS Prevention Support Projects and the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS under the Ministry of Health, organized a methadone take-home training course for nearly 150 officials involved in the methadone take-home program in six provinces implementing the project including Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Hai Phong, Bac Giang, Lao Cai, and Nghe An.

The training course, under the guidance and instruction of the teaching team from V-ITTC and the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Department, has helped trainees acquire both basic and in-depth knowledge in the field of methadone take-home. This includes the medication dispensing process, monitoring and management of methadone usage at home, and handling potential situations that may arise during medication dispensing and management.

In addition to the knowledge gained from lectures, trainees were divided into practical groups, where they exchanged and listened to practical experiences shared by facilities that have implemented the program. Healthcare professionals emphasized positive results for patients, as not having to visit healthcare facilities daily has reduced travel time and expenses, providing favorable conditions for patients to access treatment while maintaining their work and daily life, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients.

However, there are still limitations and challenges in terms of human resources for implementing and sustaining the program. Therefore, this training session serves as a foundation to build a high-quality workforce to support the program.

The training session took place successfully with enthusiastic participation from officials representing various provinces. In the coming time, these officials will constitute the healthcare team directly responsible for implementing the methadone take-home program at Methadone facilities.