Five effective solutions to enhance medical response in drug prevention and control

(Chinhphu.vn) - Permanent Deputy Minister of Health Vu Manh Ha said that it is necessary to focus on five effective solutions to enhance medical response in drug prevention and control work, aiming to carry out specialized medical interventions, contributing to reducing demand, reducing harm and ensuring social security.

On the morning of October 9, at the Conference on implementing the National Target Program on Drug Prevention and Control to 2030, Permanent Deputy Minister of Health Vu Manh Ha said that Project 6: "Strengthening medical response in drug prevention and control" - a component project of the National Target Program on Drug Prevention and Control to 2030.

Permanent Deputy Minister of Health Vu Manh Ha speaks at the Conference. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Project 6 focuses on addressing emerging gaps and challenges in drug prevention and control, especially in the context of the significant increase in synthetic drugs.

In order to effectively implement Project 6 "Strengthening medical work in drug prevention", Permanent Deputy Minister of Health Vu Manh Ha proposed focusing on the following key solutions:

Firstly, continue to consolidate and develop medical human resources participating in drug prevention and control work. In the context of increasingly limited human resources in the health sector, a thin workforce, new employees not being trained in professional skills and low remuneration, issuing policies to attract and retain staff as well as issuing appropriate remuneration for medical staff participating in drug prevention and control work, especially at the commune/ward level, is an urgent issue that needs attention in this period.

In addition, specialized training in addiction medicine is provided to core physicians to develop and enhance their professional capacity to respond to the implementation of new medical interventions, especially in the context of the increasing proliferation of synthetic drugs and the increasingly common use of polydrugs.

Second, strengthen communication and behavior change to reduce stigma: Promote multimedia communication about the role of addiction treatment and medical services provided to addicts and illegal drug users in the community, encourage addicts to voluntarily access appropriate services. Strengthen communication to relatives, families of addicts and society to reduce stigma and help people after drug rehabilitation reintegrate into the community.

Third, ensure financial resources for drug prevention and control work in the health sector: Propose that central levels, departments and branches increase appropriate investment in addiction treatment, especially Methadone treatment and research and piloting of new treatment methods.

Fourth, strengthen inter-sectoral coordination (health - police) and previously the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, now coordinate with local political and social agencies in implementing medical interventions and drug addiction treatment to ensure the effectiveness of these therapies.

"Finally, we will continue to connect data on the IT system so that data on drug addicts and illegal drug users can be shared promptly and accurately, serving both security and order management and treatment intervention," emphasized Permanent Deputy Minister of Health Vu Manh Ha.

Synchronizing solutions to prevent and combat drugs in schools

Also at the Conference, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong said that after the Minister The Ministry of Public Security signed and issued Decision No. 7619/QD-BCA dated September 8, 2025 approving the National Target Program on Drug Prevention and Control to 2030. Based on the assigned tasks, the Ministry of Education and Training has developed a Plan to implement Sub-project 03 "Strengthening the propaganda and education of laws on drug prevention and control for students in the period 2025-2030".

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong speaks at the Conference. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The general objective of Sub-project 03 is to raise awareness, knowledge, skills and responsibilities of learners in preventing and stopping drug abuse in educational institutions.

In addition, synchronously using solutions to prevent and stop drugs from affecting learners and preventing drugs from entering schools, contributing to reducing the number of drug addicts and users nationwide.

To effectively implement Sub-project 03, strengthening the propaganda and education of laws on drug prevention and control for students in the period 2025-2030, the Deputy Minister of Education and Training said that the focus is on innovating educational content and methods.

The Ministry of Education and Training will develop a set of educational materials on drug prevention and control suitable for each level of education, linked to the psychological characteristics and age of students; at the same time, design electronic lectures, interactive videos and vivid communication materials. Drug prevention content will also be integrated into the main curriculum, experiential activities and life skills education, helping learners to easily access and practice.

Intensive training sessions will be organized for teachers, managers, Youth Union and Association officials, and the "Youth Drug Prevention and Control" club. The goal by 2030 is that 100% of officials and teachers working in drug prevention education will be fully equipped with knowledge and skills in propaganda, handling situations, and effectively guiding students in drug prevention.

In addition, the Ministry of Education and Training will coordinate with press agencies, television stations, and social networks to launch special pages, reports, law competitions, forums, and annual communication campaigns on drug prevention and control. At the same time, educational institutions will launch the "Schools say no to drugs" movement, honoring groups and individuals with outstanding achievements in this work.

In addition, the Ministry of Education and Training will closely coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security; ministries, branches and localities to periodically inspect and urge; at the same time, direct the Departments of Education and Training to develop action plans suitable to the reality of each locality, ensuring unified and effective implementation. Educational institutions are responsible for promptly grasping and handling information related to drug abuse, helping students to be comprehensively protected.

With synchronous solutions, the Education sector aims that by 2030, 100% of students will have access to knowledge and skills on drug prevention, contributing to building a safe and healthy school environment, creating a solid foundation for drug prevention and control work in the whole society.

Thuy Chi

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/nam-giai-phap-hieu-qua-tang-cuong-dap-ung-y-te-trong-phong-chong-ma-tuy-102251009120900407.htm