This year's rally is themed “United in determination to build drug-free communes, wards and special zones.” Taking place at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, the event was simulcasted live for the first time to 33 provinces and centrally-run cities, including 3,321 communes, wards, and special zones nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra said the rapid development of digital technology, social media, e-commerce, express delivery services, and anonymous payment has changed the way drug-related crimes operate. The government considers drug prevention and control a shared responsibility of both law enforcement and society.
Prevention is the main strategy to deter drug-related crimes; grassroots communities are the focuses, and citizens are the actors of a safe and drug-free living environment, said Deputy PM Tra, who is also Chairwoman of the National Committee for AIDS, Drugs and Prostitution Prevention and Control.
"Local authorities must commit to drug prevention and control. In order to produce tangible results, drug prevention and control work needs public support and must be a criteria to assess the quality of local governance in the new situation,” Deputy PM Tra said.
The rally was followed by a marathon joined by 6,000 runners. Similar races were held nationwide simultaneously.
