Vietnam seeks to raise effectiveness of methadone therapy

The programme, implemented by the Ministry
of Health (MoH), reaped positive results after 10 years and received praises from
the international community.

Accordingly, the system of legal documents,
mechanisms, policies and instructions for addiction treatment by the therapy is
mostly completed, reducing the number of drug addicts, law violations and HIV infections.

In addition, it has helped to improve
patients’ health and raise their living conditions, thus ensuring social order
and safety.

However, the programme’s implementation
faces various difficulties, particularly in human resources, discrimination
towards drug addicts and communication work to call for their participation in
the programme.

To maintain and raise the programme’s
effectiveness, the MoH has been asked to cooperate with the Ministry of Public
Security; the Ministry of Justice; and the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and
Social Affairs (MoLISA) to propose amendments and supplements to regulations on
rehabilitation and treatment for drug addicts, as well as step up monitoring of
and support for relevant agencies in the programme’s implementation.

The Health Ministry has also been required
to enhance information technology application in the programme’s activities and
provide related documents and information to media agencies.

Meanwhile, authorities in provinces and
cities nationwide have been tasked with ensuring facilities and resources for
the programme and bolstering communication work in localities.