Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam had a working session with Hanoi’s Steering Board for AIDS, Drugs and Prostitution Prevention and Control on October 16, asking the capital city to intensify its communication campaigns to increase the public’s awareness of the dangers of drug use.

He pointed to the challenge of curing drug addictions, with many patients relapsing, while asking Hanoi authorities to publicise the signs of drug use and conduct more in-depth studies on symptoms and treatment methods for addicts.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (centre) at the working session. (Photo: vov)

The official also told the city to provide more jobs for former drug addicts and sex workers to help them reintegrate into society.

In the session, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc said Hanoi has spent 118 billion VND (5.6 million USD) on HIV/AIDS, drug use and prostitution prevention and control.

It has also implemented projects to provide rehabilitation and treatment services for addicts, offer vocational training, and make methadone therapy available, she added.

Reports by the Hanoi People’s Committee said the city is now home to more than 16,000 drug addicts, with 536 out of the 584 communes and wards affected by HIV/AIDS and a rise in prostitution.

Source: VNA