Vietnam will become the sixth ASEAN country to ban e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products starting in 2025, demonstrating a strong commitment to public health. This decision has been praised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the international community.

A landmark resolution for public health

The Ministry of Health recently held a workshop to outline the implementation of Resolution 173/2024/QH15, passed by the National Assembly on November 30, 2024.

This resolution aims to combat the rising use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, particularly among youth, a high-risk demographic.

Vietnam joins countries like Singapore and Thailand in implementing such measures, reflecting its dedication to reducing health risks and promoting a healthier environment.

Rising concerns about new-generation tobacco

Since e-cigarettes gained popularity in Vietnam around 2015, the Ministry of Health has consistently warned about their dangers.

Contrary to the belief that e-cigarettes are safer alternatives to traditional tobacco, research shows they pose significant health risks, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and cancer-related issues.

E-cigarettes also contribute to serious social challenges, particularly among adolescents.

Efforts to regulate these products have intensified in recent years. By 2021, the Ministry of Health collaborated with other agencies to draft policies banning the importation and sale of e-cigarettes.

A detailed report released in 2022 highlighted the alarming rise in usage among Vietnamese youth and emphasized the need for strict legal measures.

Key actions and implementation

The Ministry of Health plans to lead the charge in enforcing Resolution 173 through a comprehensive strategy that includes:

Legal measures: Strengthening regulations by amending Decree 117/2020/ND-CP to impose severe penalties for manufacturing, trading, transporting, and advertising e-cigarettes and heated tobacco.

Awareness campaigns: Leveraging mass media and social platforms to educate the public, particularly young people, about the risks of these products.

School programs: Incorporating anti-tobacco education into school curriculums to empower students with knowledge about the harms of new-generation tobacco.

Parental and community involvement: Encouraging families and communities to actively prevent the spread of e-cigarettes among youth.

The Ministry has also emphasized the importance of monitoring e-commerce platforms, a significant channel for selling e-cigarettes, and implementing stricter checks to prevent violations.

WHO and international support

At the workshop, WHO representatives lauded Vietnam’s proactive measures and recommended additional steps, including banning online advertising of e-cigarettes and introducing strong deterrent penalties.

The WHO stressed the importance of sustained awareness campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of new-generation tobacco products.

An important milestone for public health

The implementation of Resolution 173 is expected to significantly reduce the use of e-cigarettes in Vietnam and protect the public from the harmful effects of these products.

This ban represents a critical step in creating a healthier living environment and aligns Vietnam with global strategies to minimize tobacco-related harm.

With coordinated efforts from various sectors, Vietnam is poised to set an example in public health protection and contribute to global tobacco control initiatives.

An Ha