Da Nang now has 2 methadone maintenance treatment stations under the management of the city’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Centre, and they offer medical testing, examinations and treatment to local drug addicts.

In 2012, a total of 344 drug addicts were selected to take part in the city’s methadone maintenance treatment programme, only 136 of whom had stable jobs.  Over the past 3 years, their health has improved considerably.  Another 110 patients have found stable jobs, and many have got married.  Most notably, no new HIV-infected cases have been diagnosed amongst the programme’s participants during the period.

A medical staff member in consultation with a local drug addict

According to the HIV/AIDS Prevention Centre, the majority of the programme’s participants are from Thanh Khe and Hai Chau districts, but 67 are from other cities and provinces nationwide and have registered as temporarily resident in Da Nang in order to enjoy the benefits of the programme.

The Centre’s Director, Ms Pham Thi Dao, said that between 2012 and late 2014 free medical testing, examinations and treatment were given to local drug addicts thanks to financial aid from the HIV/AIDS Prevention Project for Viet Nam.  However, since the start of this year, they have only received free methadone tablets from the programme and other treatment is no longer available.

In an attempt to ensure the best benefits for local drug addicts, the municipal Department of Health will appeal for donations to the programme from domestic and foreign individuals and organisations.  Donations from the city’s budget will only be spent on paying the salaries for staff members at the 2 stations, and for giving partial financial assistance for poor drug addicts and social policy beneficiaries.