Vietnam Takes Action to Combat Tobacco Use Growth Trend

According to a report from Thanhnien on May 26th, activities organized by the Ministry of Health were held in Hanoi in response to World No Tobacco Day on May 31st and National No Smoking Week from May 25th to 31st. Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Minister of Health of Vietnam also attended the event.

Vietnam's Minister of Health, Dao Hong Lan, stated at the event that whether it is traditional tobacco or new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, they have been proven to impose a burden of disease and economic pressure. This not only affects the smokers themselves but also impacts their families and society.

In response to the call of World No Tobacco Day, many substantial activities have been launched nationwide in Vietnam, such as the "Vietnamese Youth Say No to Tobacco and E-cigarettes" campaign, as well as sports events like a virtual marathon with the theme of "Smoke-Free Vietnam Environment.

According to data, the prevalence of regular cigarette use among adult males has decreased from 47.4% in 2010 to 38.9% in 2023. Similarly, smoking rates among adolescents have also been declining, with the smoking rate for the 13-17 age group dropping from 5.36% in 2013 to 2.78% in 2019, and the smoking rate for the 13-15 age group decreasing from 2.5% to 1.9%.

However, the Ministry of Health also stated that the use of new tobacco products in Vietnam is rapidly increasing, primarily including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, especially among young people. The usage rate in the age group of 13-15 has doubled from 3.5% in 2022 to 8% in 2023.

Angela Pratt, the World Health Organization's representative in Vietnam, proposed two tobacco control policy suggestions during the event, which included a complete ban on nicotine products and new tobacco products in order to effectively protect Vietnam's youth from their harmful effects.

Furthermore, the representative also suggested that the Vietnamese government increase tobacco taxes.

Cigarettes in Vietnam are extremely cheap due to low taxes. This means that the price does not deter young people from starting smoking, nor does it encourage current smokers to quit.

We need to make it more difficult for young people to start smoking or continue smoking. Increasing tobacco taxes is the quickest, most effective way to achieve this goal. Banning e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, as well as raising tobacco taxes, will help Vietnam achieve its health goals and international commitments to sustainable development.