The HIV & Addiction Treatment Technology Transfer Centre in thesouth, the second in Vietnam, has become operational in Ho Chi MinhCity.

The centre is a joint effort between the Ho ChiMinh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the Hanoi MedicalUniversity and the University of California with support from the USPresident’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) underthe US Department of Health and Human Services.

It will conduct research studies on treatment for addictive substancessuch as morphine, heroine, methamphetamines, alcohol and ecstasy, andat the same time, cooperate with domestic and foreign specialists toopen training courses on addiction treatment as well as providetreatment at rehabilitation centres.

Do VanDung, Vice Rector of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine andPharmacy, said that the centre’s research will be helpful to thedevelopment of medical science on addictive substances, as well as theimprovement of Vietnamese medical staff’s capacity.

The centre also represents the Government’s policies in promoting treatment for drug addicts and reducing HIV infections.

Nguyen Thi Van from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and SocialAffairs’ Department for Social Vices Prevention said the centre willprovide drug users with access to new treatment technology.

Earlier in 2011, the Vietnam HIV & Addiction Treatment TransferCentre (VHATTC) was founded at the Hanoi Medical University.-VNA