A workshop is held on June 25-26 in HCM City to seek recommendations from experts on policies for drug detoxification and HIV/AIDS prevention and control that suit Vietnam’s existing circumstances. (Photo: VNA)HCM City (VNA) - A recent workshop in HCM City sought recommendations from expertson policies for drug detoxification and HIV/AIDS prevention and controlthat suit Vietnam’s existing circumstances.
Organisedby the National Assembly (NA)’s Committee on Social Affairs on June 25-26, the functionbrought together NA deputies and representatives from the Ministries ofJustice; Public Security; Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; and Health aswell as People’s Councils of southern and Mekong Delta cities and provinces.
Attendeesfocused discussions on amendments to legal documents on drug detoxification andthe enforcement of laws and policies concerning drug detoxification andpost-detoxification management in a number of localities.
Allemphasised the significance of these laws and policies, particularly thosefacilitating voluntary and community-based detoxification.
LieutenantColonel Hoang Van Hieu from the Ministry of Public Security’s Drug CriminalInvestigation Police Department said drug cases, especially relating to syntheticdrugs, have been on the rise.
Therewere 41 cases from 2014-2019 in which synthetic drug users displayed paranoiddelusions and became murderous, he said, killing 65 people in total.
More than32,000 people were caught using drugs at bars, karaoke parlours, and elsewhere,while over 18,000 drug-affected offenders committed violent crimes such asrobbery, manslaughter, rape, and assault.
UNAIDSCountry Director Marie-Odile Emond spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts in joiningand enforcing drug-related international legal standards.
Drugdependence is a health problem and those with drug dependencies have a chronicbrain disease, she said, adding this requires long-term treatment andcomprehensive intervention in terms of health and mental care as well as socialsupport.
Theofficial further suggested the country add to drug law provisions on preventivemedicine and treatment for drug-related disorders, including interventions, tominimise the impact of drug use./.
VNA
