SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP ON PREVENTION AND TREATMENT FOR AMPHETAMINE-TYPE STIMULANT (ATS) USERS – EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FROM PRACTICE

On October 2, 2024, at the United Nations Building in Hanoi, the scientific workshop on “Prevention and Treatment for Amphetamine-Type Stimulant (ATS) Users” was successfully held, drawing participation from local and international experts, researchers, and health organizations. The event not only provided effective solutions but also laid the foundation for strengthening international partnerships in this area.

1. Current ATS Use and Prevention Interventions

The workshop opened with keynote speeches by leaders from the Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control and representatives from UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), highlighting the urgency of addressing the increasing ATS use in Vietnam.

Morgane Bernard, an expert from UNODC, presented an overview of ATS and synthetic drug use in Southeast Asia, identifying Vietnam as one of the affected countries. The report also highlighted the link between ATS use and the increased risk of HIV transmission among vulnerable groups.

Additionally, representatives from the Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control shared detailed information about the current HIV prevention interventions targeting ATS users in Vietnam, aimed at minimizing the negative impact on public health.

2. Global and Local Intervention Solutions

A key highlight of the workshop was the introduction of the Global “Scale Up” Initiative by Sanita Suhartono, a global expert on drug treatment from UNODC. This initiative focuses on promoting treatment interventions and psychological support for ATS users, particularly within vulnerable populations.

A presentation by Hanoi Medical University also provided valuable insights into psychological and social interventions that help reduce ATS use among high-risk groups. These methods are being piloted and implemented in Vietnam with promising outcomes.

3. Practical Experience from Local Organizations

One of the most noteworthy segments of the workshop was the sharing of practical experiences from local organizations, including Lighthouse Social Enterprise, SHP Clinic, VNPUD, SCDI, and various community groups in Hanoi. These organizations shared their intervention programs aimed at ATS users, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM) involved in Chemsex, young drug users, and women who use drugs.

Their contributions provided valuable lessons on implementing effective psychosocial interventions, offering ATS users opportunities for reintegration into society and access to critical support services.

4. Future Directions and Intervention Prospects

The workshop concluded with a discussion led by the Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control on future directions for medical interventions for ATS users in Vietnam. Experts also discussed the resources needed to enhance HIV prevention and drug treatment programs in the coming years.

Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration between domestic and international organizations and the critical role of community involvement in supporting ATS users.

5. Conclusion: International Cooperation and Domestic Action

The scientific workshop on prevention and treatment for ATS users was not only a significant event for the health sector but also opened new avenues for addressing the challenges posed by increasing synthetic drug use in Vietnam.

The involvement of international experts and local community organizations demonstrated the strength of global cooperation in tackling the growing problem of synthetic drug use in Vietnam.

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