(Photo: Vietnam+)

Recently, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with other ministries, social organizations, and local authorities, has promoted community awareness of the dangers of tobacco use and the importance of creating smoke-free environments. Initiatives have been launched, such as the "Vietnamese Youth Say No to Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes" campaign, the "Vietnamese Youth for a Smoke-Free Environment" online running tournament by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, and the "Healthy, Smoke-Free Families" contest by the Vietnam Women's Union. These campaigns have significantly impacted the community, particularly young people, women, and girls.

According to the Ministry of Health, the smoking rate among adolescents in Vietnam decreased over the past 10 years. Among those aged 13-17, the rate fell from 5.36% in 2013 to 2.78% in 2019. However, these gains are threatened by the rapid rise in the use of new tobacco products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. Among the 13-15 age group, usage rates have more than doubled from 3.5% in 2022 to 8% in 2023.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan (Photo: VOV)

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan said: "New tobacco products such as e-cigarette and heated tobacco pose significant health and economic burdens, affecting not just users but their families and society. We called for a media campaign to combat the rise of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco to protect children and community health."

In an effort to prioritize public health, including the well-being of children, last May the Prime Minister approved a National Strategy on Tobacco Harm Prevention until 2030. This strategy aims to reduce tobacco use in the community and prevent the spread of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, shisha, and other new tobacco products. On May 13, the Prime Minister issued a dispatch urging relevant ministries, sectors, and organizations to strengthen measures to swiftly curb the proliferation of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products nationwide.