About Us

ISSUP Vietnam is a dynamic and dedicated organization committed to advancing the field of substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery in Vietnam.

Our Mission

At ISSUP Vietnam, our mission is to advance the field of substance use prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support through four key objectives:

1. Capacity Building: We focus on training and developing substance use professionals. By establishing a national expert network and creating educational resources tailored to Vietnam's specific needs, we aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of those working in this critical field.
2. Research and Data Collection: Our research efforts aim to understand substance use trends and develop evidence-based interventions. We disseminate our findings through publications and workshops, fostering a culture of evidence-based practice to improve prevention and treatment strategies.
3. Policy Advocacy: We advocate for evidence-based prevention and treatment policies, engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to promote a public health approach to substance use and create a supportive policy environment that facilitates effective SUD prevention and treatment initiatives.
4. Community Engagement: We support community organizations, promote youth-led initiatives, and foster networks for sharing best practices. By working closely with communities, we strive to build a strong, collaborative network capable of addressing substance use issues at the grassroots level.

Our History

Before the establishment of ISSUP Vietnam, the Vietnam HIV Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (V-HATTCs) played a crucial role in addressing addiction and substance use issues in the country, which have since transitioned to the Vietnam International Technology Transfer Center (V-ITTC). Currently, ISSUP Vietnam collaborates with V-ITTC to address substance use challenges across the nation.

The V-HATTCs were founded in 2011 and operated from 2012 to 2020, with funding from PEPFAR and SAMHSA. The primary focus of V-HATTCs was on HIV-related issues and the expansion of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). V-HATTCs achieved significant milestones in developing addiction treatment resources, creating community recovery models, and supporting evidence-based policy guidelines.

In 2020, V-ITTC was established with funding from the INL through the Colombo Plan. V-ITTC focuses on addiction medicine and the professionalization of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. V-ITTC has advanced Vietnam’s approach to substance use by implementing community substance use prevention programs and awareness initiatives, enhancing capacity-building for healthcare professionals, and establishing support networks.

Building on these foundational efforts, ISSUP Vietnam is now positioned to serve as the national focal point for SUD-related activities in the country.

Partnerships

Our success is built on strong partnerships with a range of stakeholders (see more in section “Knowledge Share”):

• Government Agencies: We collaborate with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC).
• International Organizations: Our international partners include the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR), and the Colombo Plan.
• Civil Society Organizations: We engage with various local NGOs dedicated to addressing substance use issues.

These partnerships enable us to leverage additional resources, expertise, and networks, enhancing our ability to make a meaningful impact.