Qualitative Study on Migrant Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) in Hanoi

Duration: December 2010-August 2011

Location: Hanoi

Partners: Department/Unit for the Prevention of Social Evils (DSEP) of Ha Noi Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA)

HIV prevention, harm reduction, and treatment for drug users are critical interventions in Vietnam as drug users continue to be the greatest proportion of people infected with HIV. For various reasons, drug users are often fairly mobile and increasingly, migrants to urban areas are initiating drug use. In addition to trying to remain invisible due to stigma and discrimination, and law enforcement, against drug users, mobility makes it more difficult to reach many drug users with accurate and relevant information and services. Besides, the lack of services that are migrant and mobile friendly, leads to greater risk behaviour amongst migrant and mobile drug users. Accessing services to treat drug dependency, TB, STIs, and HIV is essential for migrants and mobile population.

The aim of the project is to have a better understanding about migration patterns, drug use behaviours and unsafe sex behaviours, health seeking behaviours and psychosocial support as well as to identify difficulties in reintegrating in the community in Hanoi.