MoLISA’s conference discusses rehabilitation models

The event was part of Action Month for Drug Prevention and Control, International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and the “Entire people fight drug” day. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Vu Trong Dam said as of late May, more than 100,000 drug abusers nationwide had undergone treatment, rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation supervision. 

However, relapse rates remain high, even up to 90 percent after two years, partly due to social discrimination. 

Director of MoLISA’s Department of Social Vices Prevention Nguyen Xuan Lap lauded new rehabilitation models such as social re-integration support clubs, voluntary care and consulting teams and community-based rehabilitation, which have prevented thousands of drug users from relapsing. 

Participants discussed vocational training, loan supply and job creation for rehabilitated people and proposed initiatives to improve policy effectiveness. 

In conclusion, Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung asked departments and agencies to step up communications to raise public awareness of rehabilitation and to reduce discrimination against drug users.