National campaign steps up early drug prevention among workers

The campaign “Vietnamese Workers Say No to Drugs – A Million Hearts, One Resolve” was launched at Vietnam – Czechoslovakia Friendship Labour Cultural Palace in Hai Phong on September 18 by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour and the Ministry of Public Security.

Beyond providing information about the situation and harmful effects of drugs, the programme highlighted the role of trade unions in protecting workers, proactively preventing risks and supporting people with drug addiction in their reintegration into the community.

The event also marked the launch of Sub-project 4 on improving the effectiveness of drug prevention and control communication among workers in industrial parks, under the National Target Programme on Drug Prevention and Control through 2030.

Prevention must reach workers where they need it

In his remarks, Ngo Duy Hieu, standing vice president of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, said drug prevention among workers could not be limited to banners, slogans or occasional communication campaigns.

The approach needs to shift towards preventing drugs from reaching workers in the first place, helping them learn how to protect themselves, recognise risks and maintain positive living environments that reduce their vulnerability to being drawn into drug use.

Hieu stressed that grassroots trade unions need to be present in places where workers spend their daily lives, including factories, production lines, rented accommodation and community activities. Particular attention should be given to times when workers face difficulties, loneliness or uncertainty about their future.

“Trade unions must help workers learn how to prevent, understand how to avoid, join hands to stop drugs, and show compassion by helping those who have made mistakes return to the community,” he said.

According to Hieu, trade unions at all levels should focus on improving workers’ ability to protect themselves; creating an environment where they can live healthy, positive and fulfilling lives; and ensuring that people who have made mistakes are not abandoned.

This message was also reflected at the launch ceremony, where the organisers presented gifts to workers who had contributed to drug prevention communication efforts and to people who had overcome temptations and worked to rebuild their lives.

Bringing drug prevention into every workplace

Building on the campaign’s broader message, grassroots trade unions are seeking to translate it into practical measures at workplace.

Nguyen Quoc Viet, chairman of the Trade Union of Yazaki Hai Phong Vietnam Co., Ltd., said the company’s trade union would incorporate drug prevention and control communication into regular meetings of each production team so that all workers could access relevant information.

“We will work with the company’s management board to build a ‘drug-free enterprise’, linked to the company’s existing occupational safety and hygiene criteria,” Viet said.

Integrating drug prevention into workers’ regular activities is intended to make it a continuous effort rather than one limited to peak communication campaigns.

Alongside raising awareness, the campaign aims to protect the workforce, contribute to a safe working environment and help maintain security and social order in industrial and export processing zones.

Vietnam, Laos hold joint anti-drug drill on shared border

VOV.VN - The Border Guard Command of Vietnam’s central province of Quang Tri, in coordination with the Military Command and the Security Department of Laos' Khammuane province, conducted a joint counter-narcotics exercise on September 15 in the Cha Lo border area to counter armed cross-border drug trafficking.