"New challenges in substance abuse prevention communication"

Attending the workshop were representatives from the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, the Government Office, the Vietnam Journalists Association, the Government Electronic Information Portal, and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

In his opening remarks at the workshop, Mr. Hoang Vinh Bao (Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Member of the National Committee for AIDS Prevention and Control and Prevention of Drug Abuse and Prostitution) stated that, over the years, the prevention and control of substance abuse has always received the attention of the Vietnamese Party and Government, ministries, local authorities, and the support of the people. This is especially true in the context of the increasing abuse of substances in Vietnam, with the emergence of new forms of addiction for which there are no legal sanctions, and increasingly sophisticated methods of trafficking. Information and communication are considered a crucial solution to clarify the harm and consequences of this abuse; to change the awareness and behavior of addicts; and to commend individuals and groups that have performed well in prevention work.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Hoang Vinh Bao delivered the opening speech at the conference.

However, the Deputy Minister also stated that in the current era of rapidly developing information technology, there is a need for innovation in information and communication methods. Specifically, this work needs to be carried out in a synchronized, focused, diverse manner, tailored to each target group and region; promoting socialization and strengthening coordination among relevant ministries, agencies, and localities; and applying information technology to prevent information that entices or solicits the abuse of addictive substances on social media.

Assessing the achievements in the propaganda work to prevent substance abuse in Vietnam, Mr. Le Viet Dong (Deputy Director General of the Government Electronic Information Portal) shared the following information: According to the assessment of the National Committee for AIDS Prevention and Control and the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Prostitution, in the period 2014-2017, the number of news articles, photos, and reports on this topic in publications increased by an average of 10-15% compared to before. Since 2010, the online news site "The Bell" of the National Committee for AIDS Prevention and Control and the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Prostitution has been in operation. For nearly 10 years, the "The Bell" site has actively informed readers about the following contents: reflecting the situation of various types of drugs that are "slipping through the net" and loopholes in law enforcement; disseminating information about the harmful effects of drugs; commending the achievements of police and border guards in the fight against drug crimes; and encouraging those who have gone astray to rebuild their lives...

Mr. Le Viet Dong - Deputy Director General of the Government Electronic Information Portal Speaking at the conference

Representing the leadership of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Professor Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University) emphasized the important role of higher education institutions in creating scientific forums for stakeholders to dialogue and exchange ideas on major social issues. In the current context of global insecurity and challenges, in addition to traditional security issues, non-traditional security issues have emerged as a consequence of modern societal development, including the problem of substance abuse. The media must be a leading force in combating this problem. Professor Pham Quang Minh also suggested that media work needs new approaches and more diverse content, especially in countries with diverse geographical structures, regions, and ethnic groups like Vietnam. Furthermore, regional cooperation to address transnational issues such as drug and substance abuse prevention should be strengthened.

Professor Pham Quang Minh delivered a speech at the conference.

Following the opening ceremony, the workshop heard the following keynote presentations:

• Presentation "Overview of communication and education work on drug prevention and control" by Dr. Nguyen Cuu Duc (Department of Science, Education and Social Affairs, Government Office).

Dr. Nguyen Cuu Duc (Department of Science, Education and Social Affairs, Government Office)Presenting a paper

• Presentation "Introduction to Preventive Science" by Mr. Cao Hoang Nam (Chief Coordinator of the Scientific Council, VPIS Internet and Society Research Program).

MSc. Cao Hoang Nam (VPIS Internet and Society Research Program, University of Social Sciences and Humanities)Presenting a paper

• The presentation, "Practical Implementation of Drug Prevention Programs Worldwide and Recommendations for Vietnam," was given by Dr. Kevin Mulvey (Advisor on Addiction Treatment for Southeast Asia, Samhsa Program) and Mr. Brian Morales (Director of the Center for Coordination of Drug Prevention and Control Programs, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. Department of State).

Brian Morales (Director of the Center for Coordination of Drug Prevention and Control Programs, Bureau of International Drug and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. Department of State) presented a paper.

Dr. Kevin Mulvey presented a paper.

• Presentation "Improving the effectiveness of communication on mass media and social networks" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Loi (Editor-in-Chief of the Journalist Magazine).

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Loi presented his paper.

• Presentation "Enhancing the impact of media programs on young people in preventing drug and psychotropic substance abuse" by Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoa (Deputy Director of VTV6, VPIS Institute).
• The presentation "Socialization of Drug Prevention and Control Communication" was given by Dr. Le Trung Tuan (Chairman of the Management Board of the Institute for Research on the Psychology of Drug Users) and Colonel Ta Duc Ninh (former Head of the Standing Office for Drug Prevention and Control, Police Staff Department, Ministry of Public Security).

The workshop is part of the 2018 work program of the National Committee for AIDS Prevention and Control, and the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Prostitution; it is an activity within the "Communication on Drug Prevention and Control through Mass Media" project of the Drug Prevention and Control Program until 2020. The workshop aims to raise awareness of the role of communication and education in preventing substance abuse; share experiences and communication methods from relevant stakeholders; identify challenges and propose innovative solutions for communication methods in preventing substance abuse in the community, especially targeting young people.

Is the increase in drug use among young people partly due to media coverage?