Training course on the induction into Methadone treatment

From May 30th to July 6th, The Global Fund in collaboration with the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) – Hanoi Medical University held a training course on the induction into methadone treatment at the Red Scarf Hotel at Ba Dinh, Hanoi for more than 100 trainees who are physicians, pharmacists, and counselors from numerous medical centers and drug-dispensing facilities in provinces in Vietnam such as Bac Giang, Dien Bien, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Lao Cai, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Vinh Phuc, and Nam Dinh. The group of lecturers involved in the training course comprises associate professors, doctors, and physicians who are widely recognized as leading figures in the field of substance use disorders.

During the two weeks of intensive training, the group of lecturers introduced and presented a general overview of substance use disorders, current states of methadone treatment in Vietnam, opioid replacement therapy with methadone, connections between methadone treatment facilities and other social support services, and practical experiences which includes challenges, precautions, and solutions when working with special patient groups such women, adolescents, and men who have sex with men (MSM).

Throughout this training course, both lecturers and participants shared their experiences of working directly with patients and discussed different theories and practices and appropriate treatment for specific cases. At the end of the training course, participants completed their post-training assessments and course satisfaction surveys.