Drug use on the rise in Vietnam

 The number of discarded hypodermic needles on Saigon’s bridges has given authorities a glimpse into rising drug usage in the country. The bridges have become popular spots to inject drugs because few people there watch the act taking place; there are no family members or neighbors to see someone put a needle into his arm. Ineffective rehabilitation centers are one reason to blame for continuing drug usage, according to experts.

A man stands next to a poster warning that drug using is leading to HIV affection at the venue of a meeting on World’s AIDS Day in Hanoi. Drug users have increased in Vietnam recently while rehabilitation efforts have proved ineffective. PHOTO: AFP