Past ITTC Events

Vietnam ITTC

March 2024

CME: Substance Addiction Diagnosis

3/19/2024 - 3/21/2024
From March 19 to 21, 2024, we hosted a Continuous Medical Education (CME) program focusing on addiction diagnosis for physicians. The trainees included 23 healthcare providers from various hospitals and healthcare facilities across the nation. Following the training, on March 21, the trainees took a quiz on topics learned from the program. Trainees received their CME certificates based on active engagement and quiz performance.

Presented By: Vietnam ITTC
Location: Hanoi
Contact Name: Giang Minh LE, MD, PhD
Contact Email: v_ittc@hmu.edu.vn
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/Vietnam-ITTC-104879608503154

CME: Methadone Maintenance Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (A Basic Course for Physicians)

3/11/2024 - 3/15/2024
From March 11 to 15, 2024, we conducted a Continuous Medical Education (CME) program which offered a basic training course on methadone maintenance treatment for physicians. The trainees included 42 healthcare providers from various hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide. Following the theoretical training, trainees were required to complete a minimum of one week's practical experience at a methadone clinic and submit a case report. CME certificates were awarded based on participation and quiz scores, a prerequisite for physicians seeking to work at methadone clinics in Vietnam.

December 2023

V-ITTC presenting at Hanoi DSEP-Organized Conference

12/7/2023 - 12/7/2023
On December 7, 2023, the Hanoi Department for Social Evils Prevention (DSEP) organized a conference to evaluate the management, care, and support strategies for individuals post-drug rehabilitation within their residential communities in Hanoi. The Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) presented the results of their pilot intervention model, which aimed to enhance the social and legal assistance, consultation, and referral services for people who use drugs (PWUD) in the community. The project focused on improving the capacity and effectiveness of community social workers by adopting two evidence-based interventions: motivational interviewing and online support groups. The pilot model was well-received by community social workers, PWUD, and their families, showing some initial positive outcomes. V-ITTC will collaborate with Hanoi DSEP to continue and expand this model across Hanoi, focusing on varied communication channels and interventions tailored to the various needs of PWUD.

November 2023

University Walk-through Training on the Basic Level Series of the UTC

11/9/2023 - 11/11/2023
From November 9 to 11, 2023, the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) at Hanoi Medical University organized a walk-through training on the basic level series of the Universal Treatment Curriculum for Substance Use Disorders (UTC). This training was conducted under the guidance of two regional trainers. The trainees included 21 national trainers from various universities, hospitals, and healthcare facilities nationwide. Following the training, on November 12, the trainees took the ICAP I exam, organized by the Colombo Plan in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Research grant for students doing research on SUD field

11/7/2023 - 11/7/2023
On November 7, 2023, in a national scientific symposium titled “Innovations to Improve Substance Use Intervention in Vietnam”, the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) awarded scholarships to three postgraduate students conducting research in the field of substance use disorder (SUD). The aim of this activity was to build research interest in SUD field among medical students and develop the future workforce for Vietnam.

October 2023

A refresher course to update knowledge for the staff at the MMT facilities

10/17/2023 - 10/20/2023
From October 17 to 20, 2023, V-ITTC preventatives provided lectures during a refresher course for healthcare professionals from Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) facilities, organized by the Hanoi Center for Disease Control. The course was specifically organized for treatment specialists, including over 100 doctors and counselors, who work closely with patients dealing with substance use or HIV. V-ITTC trainers led sessions on the latest knowledge in substance addiction, comorbidity, and chemsex screening and intervention.

Prevention for adolescents using synthetic drugs

10/1/2023 - 12/19/2023
From October to December 2023, the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) teamed up with national broadcasting channels to produce and air a documentary series focusing on addiction treatment, community reintegration, and synthetic drug use prevention among adolescents. This series, consisting of four aired episodes and a live broadcast program, delved into the journey of recovery, the process of returning to society, and strategies for preventing adolescent synthetic drug use. The documentary emphasized the importance of family support and the involvement of multiple agencies in aiding recovery and prevention initiatives.

August 2023

Methadone take-home training course

8/21/2023 - 8/30/2023
The training course, under the guidance and instruction of the teaching team from V-ITTC and the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Department, has helped trainees acquire both basic and in-depth knowledge in the field of methadone take-home. This includes the medication dispensing process, monitoring and management of methadone usage at home, and handling potential situations that may arise during medication dispensing and management.In addition to the knowledge gained from lectures, trainees were divided into practical groups, where they exchanged and listened to practical experiences shared by facilities that have implemented the program. Healthcare professionals emphasized positive results for patients, as not having to visit healthcare facilities daily has reduced travel time and expenses, providing favorable conditions for patients to access treatment while maintaining their work and daily life, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients.

4th Advisory Board meeting – Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC)

8/15/2023 - 8/15/2023
The meeting was joined by nearly 30 deputies from the Department of Science, Education, Culture and Social Affairs – Government office, Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control – Ministry of Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of Hanoi, the US Department of Foreign Affairs in Vietnam, and some domestic and international NGOs such as INL, Colombo Plan, CDC, UNODC, VUSTA, …The representative from ITTC Vietnam presented a proposal to participate in the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP). Currently, the association has 36 member countries, with 10 Asian nations among them. The operational approach of each member within the association can be either an individual agency or a network. They hold regular quarterly meetings and organize workshops to share information and experiences in the field of substance use.

ICUDDR Conference 2023 in Chiangmai, Thailand

8/9/2023 - 8/11/2023
Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) engaged in and shared Vietnam’s experiences through presentations on (1) Buprenorphine Treatment in Practice, (2) Developing the Research Capacity to Address Substance Use Disorders, Mental Health, and Sexual Risk at Hanoi Medical University and (3) Mapping Services to Explore Training Needs and Target Interventions. These knowledge-sharing sessions not only give experts and researchers at the workshop the opportunity to learn from practical experiences but also contribute to promote understanding and cooperation in drug demand reduction and other related problems in Vietnam.

Presented By: Vietnam ITTC
Location: Thailand
Contact Name: Giang Minh LE, MD, PhD
Contact Email: v_ittc@hmu.edu.vn
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/Vietnam-ITTC-104879608503154

June 2023

Motivation Interview – training course for officers working at Community-based Organizations

6/15/2023 - 6/16/2023
The training course under the guidance and teaching of the faculty team from V-ITTC has helped the trainees gain in-depth knowledge in counseling for drug addiction treatment. This included fundamental counseling knowledge and skills, recognizing stages of behavioral change, as well as guidance on working with diverse clients. Additionally, throughout the learning process, the trainees had the opportunity to practice motivational interviewing in groups, share and exchange practical experiences, discuss difficulties and challenges, and navigate unfavorable situations they might encounter.

May 2023

Training course on TREATNET Family Intervention for adolescents with substance use disorder

5/30/2023 - 5/31/2023
In 2 days from May 30-31, 2023, the Vietnam-International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) – Hanoi Medical University (HMU) collaborated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Department of Social Evils Prevention of Hanoi (DSEP) to launch the training course on TREATNET Family Intervention (TFI) for adolescents with substance use disorder for 30 officers working at rehabilitation centers in Hanoi.

Training course on Methadone maintenance treatment of opioid dependence

5/22/2023 - 5/26/2023
In 5 days from May 22-26, 2023, the Global Fund collaborated with the International Technology Transfer Center in Vietnam (Vietnam-ITTC) – Hanoi Medical University to launch a training course on Methadone maintenance treatment of opioid dependence for 50 trainees who are doctors and physicians working at health departments and methadone dispensing facilities from many provinces and cities in Vietnam - Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Dien Bien, Hanoi, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Lai Chau, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Quang Ninh, Son La, Thai Nguyen, Thanh Hoa, Vinh Phuc, Ha Nam, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, and Lao Cai. The group of lecturers comprised associate professors, doctors, and physicians from Hanoi Medical University, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Hanoi, and the Methadone Center of Dong Da district who are widely recognized as experts in the addiction treatment field.

April 2023

Training course on TREATNET Family Intervention for adolescents with substance use disorder

4/20/2023 - 4/22/2023
In 3 days from April 20-22, 2023, the Vietnam-International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) - Hanoi Medical University collaborated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives of Hanoi (SCDI - Hanoi) to launch the training course on TREATNET Family Intervention (TFI) for adolescents with substance use disorder.

March 2023

Training course on Motivational Interviewing and Case Management for district-level social workers

3/1/2023 - 3/2/2023
In two days from March 1 to 2, 2023, the International Technology Transfer Center on Substance Abuse in Vietnam (V-ITTC), Hanoi Medical University, in collaboration with the Sub-Department of Social Evils Prevention of Hanoi successfully organized the training course on "Motivational Interviewing" and "Case Management" for 24 district-level social workers to implement the model of Social and Legal Assistance, Consultation, and Referral Services for People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs)” applying evidence-based interventions at the Nghia Tan, Chuong Duong, and Vinh Quynh districts.

December 2022

Final review of the national pilot project on multi-day methadone dispensing for OUD patients

12/15/2022 - 12/15/2022
On the morning of December 15, 2022, the Ministry of Health held a conference to review the national pilot project on multi-day methadone dispensing for patients in opioid substitution therapy. The conference was joined by more than 150 representatives from the departments and institutes under the Ministry of Health, units under the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Government Office, international and community organizations, and the Health, Public Security branch, the Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs sectors of the 6 provinces and cities in which the pilot project was implemented including Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Hai Phong, Bac Giang, Lao Cao, and Nghe An.

In-person training course: Motivational Interviewing

12/8/2022 - 12/9/2022
In 2 days from December 8th – 9th, 2022, the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC), Hanoi Medical University in collaboration with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Hanoi successfully launched an in-person training course on “Motivational Interviewing” for 50 staff working in the addiction treatment field in Hanoi.

In-person training course: Motivational Interviewing

12/6/2022 - 12/7/2022
In 2 days from December 6th – 7th, 2022, the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC), Hanoi Medical University in collaboration with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Hanoi successfully launched an in-person training course on “Motivational Interviewing” for 50 staff working in the addiction treatment field in Hanoi.

November 2022

In-person training course: Motivational Interviewing

11/10/2022 - 11/11/2022
In 2 days from November 10th – 11th, 2022, the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) of Hanoi Medical University in collaboration with the Sub-department of Social Vices Prevention and Combat successfully launched an in-person training course on “Motivational Interviewing” for 40 officers working at 13 consulting points located in Hoan Kiem, Cau Giay, and Thanh Tri districts in Hanoi.

September 2022

In-person training course: Motivational Interviewing

9/6/2022 - 9/7/2022
In 2 days from September 6th – 7th, 2022, the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC), Hanoi Medical University successfully launched an in-person training course on “Motivational Interviewing” for 40 staff working in the addiction treatment field in Hanoi.

August 2022

Online workshop: “Guideline on Buprenorphine-to-Methadone Transition”

8/31/2022 - 8/31/2022
On the morning of August 31, 2022, the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) – Hanoi Medical University in collaboration with the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control – Ministry of Health successfully organized an online workshop: “Guideline on Buprenorphine-to-Methadone Transition”. The meeting was joined by representatives from the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of 8 provinces and cities that piloted the buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder program, staff from medical centers and drug-dispensing points, and Professor Gavin Bart from the University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA. Dr. Bart is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota and director of the division of Addiction Medicine at Hennepin Healthcare. Besides his scientific achievements in the addiction treatment field in the United States, Dr. Bart has cooperated in conducting research and provided technical support for the Methadone treatment program in Vietnam from the very beginning.

July 2022

Meeting to review the preliminary results of the pilot model for people who use drugs

7/15/2022 - 7/15/2022
On the morning of July 15, 2022, the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC), Hanoi Medical University in collaboration with the Department of Social Vices Prevention and Combat – Ministry of Labor, War invalids and Social Affairs held a meeting to review the preliminary results of the pilot model of social and legal assistance, consultation and referral services for people who use drugs. The meeting aims to discuss the results achieved by the model of social and legal assistance, consultation, and referral services for people who use drugs (PWUD) in the past time and propose an action plan for the next phase of the program based on new changes in the Law on Drug Prevention and Control of 2021.
The meeting was joined by 20 delegates from the Department of Science, Education, Culture and Social Affairs – Government office, Supreme People’s Court, Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control – Ministry of Health, Department of Social Vices Prevention and Combat – Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs, the Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI Vietnam), and other international organizations including U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Vietnam.

June 2022

In-person Basic Training course on Methadone Maintenance Treatment

6/20/2022 - 7/1/2022
From June 20th to July 1st, The Global Fund in collaboration with the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) – Hanoi Medical University held a basic training course on Methadone Maintenance Treatment at the Red Scarf Hotel at Ba Dinh, Hanoi for more than 90 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.

May 2022

In-person Basic Training course on Methadone Maintenance Treatment

5/30/2022 - 6/10/2022
From May 30th to June 10th, The Global Fund in collaboration with the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) – Hanoi Medical University held a basic training course on Methadone Maintenance 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.

April 2022

3rd Advisory Board Meeting

4/19/2022
On April 19th, 2022, The Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC), under Hanoi Medical University and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP) held the 3rd Advisory Board meeting (both online and in-person), aiming to share the results achieved between September 2021 and April 4, 2022, and discuss the work plan for future activities of V-ITTC based on the changes of the new Law on Drug Prevention and Control of 2021.

Presented By: Vietnam ITTC
Location: Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
Contact Name: Giang Minh LE, MD, PhD
Contact Email: v_ittc@hmu.edu.vn
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/Vietnam-ITTC-104879608503154

In-person training course: Motivational Interviewing

4/12/2022 - 4/13/2022
V-ITTC is hosting an in-person training course on Motivational Interviewing (MI) for staff working within the addiction treatment field in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Presented By: Vietnam ITTC
Location: Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
Contact Name: Giang Minh LE, MD, PhD
Contact Email: v_ittc@hmu.edu.vn
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/Vietnam-ITTC-104879608503154

Training-of-trainers (TOT) course on “Methadone Take-home”

4/5/2022 - 4/6/2022
V-ITTC representatives provide training for 2 in-person TOT courses on “Methadone Take-home” for MMT leaders and staff implementing the pilot MMT take-home program. The training was organized by the Vietnam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC), Ministry of Health.

Online Workshop: Buprenorphine: Starting dose, treatment switching, and long-acting Buprenorphine

4/1/2022 - 4/1/2022
Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC) host an online workshop on Buprenorphine, delivered by Dr. Didier Touzeau - a psychiatrist, former Head of Addiction Treatment Department of Paul Guiraud Hospital (France), Board of Directors of the Tobacco Association (France), and Editor-in-Chief of the magazine "Le Courrier des Addictions".

Participants will have the opportunity to exchange and discuss topics and issues related to treatment experience and switching between Methadone and Buprenorphine.

March 2022

Training course: UTC 3 - Common co-occurring mental and medical disorders

3/31/2022 - 5/12/2022
In order to improve the capacity of staff working in the field of addiction treatment including doctors, counselors, medical staffs,... Vietnam ITTC is hosting a training course on "Common co-occurring mental and medical disorders for patients with substance use disorders", taking place on Thursday, once every 2 weeks, from 1:30 pm (GMT+7) on the following dates: 31st March; 14th, 28th April, and 12th May 2022.

Presented By: Vietnam ITTC
Location: Vietnam
Contact Name: Giang Minh LE, MD, PhD
Contact Email: v_ittc@hmu.edu.vn
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=260914626232984&id=104879608503154

Training-of-trainers (TOT) course on “Methadone Take-home”

3/28/2022 - 3/29/2022
V-ITTC representatives provide training for 2 in-person TOT courses on “Methadone Take-home” for MMT leaders and staff implementing the pilot MMT take-home program. The training was organized by the Vietnam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC), Ministry of Health.

January 2022

Addiction treatment counselling (Basic)

1/4/2022 - 1/8/2022
The Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center, Hanoi Medical University in collaboration with the Department of Social Vices Prevention of Hanoi, opened a basic training course on addiction treatment counseling for more than 40 staff providing support and care for people who use drugs at religious rehabilitation centers from many provinces and cities across the country such as Bethel Catholic Rescue Center, “Nguon Phuoc (Source of Blessings)” Rehabilitation Center, and “Tai Sanh (Rebirth)” Rehabilitation Center.

Attending a 5-day-training course, from January 4 to January 8, 2022; learners are provided with knowledge and addiction treatment skills; in order to deliver optimal and successful addiction treatment services.

Presented By: Vietnam ITTC
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Contact Name: Giang Minh LE, MD, PhD
Contact Email: v_ittc@hmu.edu.vn
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/Vietnam-ITTC-104879608503154

December 2021

Treatnet Family Intervention Training Course

12/21/2021 - 12/23/2021
From 21st to 23rd of December, 2021; practitioners, social workers, and health workers from different parts of Vietnam have had an opportunity to participate in the 3-day online training course on Treatnet Family Intervention for people with substance use disorder operated by UNODC, The Ministry of Labour - Invalids and Social Affairs and Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center.

Family therapy involves a therapist and family members to improve and resolve relationship problems. Sharing feelings in family therapy helps family members improve communication skills and develop stronger family dynamics. Family therapy uses a range of counseling and other techniques including positive reframing, perspective taking and asking relational questions, and rolling with resistance. Providing family support through therapy can be an essential part of recovery for both the person with substance use disorder and their family.

Presented By: Vietnam ITTC
Location: Hanoi,
Contact Name: Giang Minh LE, MD, PhD
Contact Email: v_ittc@hmu.edu.vn
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/Vietnam-ITTC-104879608503154

November 2021

"Universal Treatment and Prevention Curriculum" Sharing

11/30/2021 - 11/30/2021
Vietnam International Technology Center, based in Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam; has collaborated with DAP, Colombo Plan, and University of Medicine and Pharmacy in HCM city, Vietnam to organize a conference on "Universal Treatment and Prevention Curriculum".

This conference was held with the objective of emphasizing the role of DAP, Colombo Plan, and the collaboration of university partners in the implementation of the Universal Curriculum, as well as resources on substance use disorder treatment and prevention.

Presented By: Vietnam ITTC
Location: Hanoi
Contact Name: Giang Minh LE, MD, PhD
Contact Email: v_ittc@hmu.edu.vn

August 2021

2nd Advisory Board Meeting

8/4/2021
Hanoi Medical University (HMU), in collaboration with University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMP) and University of Labours and Social Affairs (ULSA); represents Vietnam ITTC, planning for the 2nd Advisory Board Meeting on 4th August, 2021.

The 2nd Advisory Board Meeting of V-ITTC occurs with the aim of summarizing V-ITTC activities in 2020-2021 and planning for 2021-2025.

Presented By: Vietnam ITTC
Location: Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
Contact Name: Giang Minh LE, MD, PhD
Contact Email: v_ittc@hmu.edu.vn

January 2021

1st Advisory Board Meeting

1/21/2021
Hanoi Medical University (HMU), in collaboration with University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMP) and University of Labours and Social Affairs (ULSA); represents Vietnam ITTC, planning for the 1st Advisory Board Meeting on 21st January, 2021.

The 1st Advisory Board Meeting occurs with the aim of introducing the official establishment of V-ITTC, Advisory Board representatives, the operational procedure of V-ITTC; and planning for 2021-2025.

Presented By: Vietnam ITTC
Location: Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
Contact Name: Giang Minh LE, MD, PhD
Contact Email: v_ittc@hmu.edu.vn