MEET-UP EVENT - CONNECT & PROTECT NETWORK ACTIVITY, INTRODUCING ISSUP VIETNAM
Hanoi, March 28, 2025 — In a significant step forward for the field of substance use prevention and care in Vietnam, the WECARE Center and the Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse – HIV (CREATA-H) co-hosted a national stakeholder meeting under the Connect & Protect Network for Education and Substance Abuse Prevention. Funded by the Equity Initiative, the network brought together professionals and organizations dedicated to preventing substance abuse among Vietnamese adolescents through education, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
This gathering also marked the official introduction of the ISSUP Vietnam (International Society of Substance Use Professionals - Vietnam) - a newly established national chapter in Vietnam committed to advancing the science and practice of substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery. ISSUP Vietnam aims to connect practitioners, researchers, educators, and policymakers to improve standards of care and build a professional workforce across the country.
The meeting convened 39 participants, including 15 in-person and 24 online attendees, representing a wide range of institutions and community organizations. These included the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, University of Social Sciences and Humanities at Ho Chi Minh City, CBO Safe Boys, Xuan Hop Social Enterprise, CBO Hoa Sen, Hai Dang Social Enterprise, VinUniversity Institute for Health Sciences, Lumos Psychological Counseling and Treatment Center, Center for Health and Population Initiatives (CCIHP), and the Center for Research and Action for Inclusive Development (IDEA).
Special guests – including Associate Professor Ph.D. Nguyen Thi Thai Lan - Vice Dean of the Faculty of Sociology - University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Dr. Hoang Tu Anh - Director of the Center for Health and Population Initiatives (CCIHP); and Ms. Tran Quynh Trang from IDEA – voiced strong support for greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the field.
Representatives from WECARE and CREATA-H presented key accomplishments from the past six months, including a joint report exploring the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in monitoring and preventing substance abuse behaviors on social media platforms. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to using technology to enhance early intervention and outreach.
Additionally, just this year, 8 staff members from both centers successfully passed the International Certified Addiction Professional-I exam (ICAP-1 exam), further strengthening the technical capacity of the network. The certification underscored the commitment of both WECARE and CREATA-H to advancing professional standards in addiction treatment and prevention services in Vietnam.
Another highlight of the period was the successful rollout of a school-based prevention program (organized by WECARE and CREATA-H) at Chu Van An Secondary School, designed to engage students through visual lectures, animated stories, and interactive games. The program equipped students with practical knowledge about the dangers of addictive substances and was met with strong interest and positive feedback from both students and parents.
Beyond reviewing achievements, the meeting served as a platform for collective planning and shared vision-building. Participants discussed the next steps for the Connect & Protect Network and ISSUP Vietnam, including the formation of an Advisory Board to provide strategic guidance, fundraising support, and oversight. Strengthening internal communication and securing active commitments from network members were also identified as priorities.
Furthermore, many attendees emphasized the need to expand school-based prevention efforts nationwide, drawing on the expertise of seasoned professionals to design age-appropriate, skill-based curricula. These future programs aim to go beyond information dissemination by incorporating key life skills such as resisting peer pressure and making healthy decisions. Empowering youth leadership also emerged as a central theme. For example, plans were outlined to form a Gen Z-led group that would take the lead on youth engagement initiatives, internships, and collaborations with student clubs, especially in the fields of social work and mental health.
Looking ahead, the network will focus on three strategic directions:
- Continued support for members pursuing the ICAP certification to build a strong, professional workforce in addiction prevention and treatment.
- Regular network meetings to coordinate efforts and explore potential programs aimed at reducing substance use among Vietnamese youth.
- Online scientific exchanges and training sessions to share knowledge, practical tools, and experiences across sectors and regions.
Throughout the meeting, the leadership and coordination provided by WECARE and CREATA-H were widely recognized and appreciated. The introduction of ISSUP Vietnam was seen as a timely and critical development. As the country’s official ISSUP Chapter, it will serve as a hub for professional development, regional collaboration, and evidence-based practice in the field of SUD. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to working together across sectors—educational, clinical, community-based, and technological—to create a safer, more supportive environment for Vietnamese youth.
