The National AIDS Authority in Viet Nam (VAAC) has introduced the possibility for facilities distributing opioid substitution therapy to provide take-away dosages of methadone and buprenorphine to ensure continuity of services in the context of COVID-19. Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) can be prescribed up to 7 days and Buprenorphine up to 10 days for clients who are quarantined at home or at mandatory quarantine facilities.
UNAIDS and UNODC provided policy and technical support for an innovative pilot project to provide take-home methadone maintenance therapy in Viet Nam. The approval of the pilot by the Ministry of Health facilitated the introduction of the current flexibilities in the provision of opioid substitution therapy in the context of COVID-19.
