The contest was launched nationwide by the Central Health Communication and Education Centre in coordination with the Fund for Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control. Dr Vu Manh Ha, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee and Standing Deputy Minister of Health, attended and delivered a keynote speech at the launch ceremony.
The event drew the participation of nearly 300 delegates from units under and affiliated with the Ministry of Health, as well as provincial and municipal Centres for Disease Control (CDCs).
The contest seeks to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and e-cigarettes, while fostering innovation in health communication and spreading the message of a clean, smoke-free living environment.
Delivering his remarks, Dr Vu Manh Ha emphasised that this contest is a meaningful communication initiative, reflecting innovation in approaches and methods of delivering health messages to the public.
The contest is not only a creative platform for health officials at provincial CDCs but also a venue that brings together innovative communication ideas and powerful messages, contributing to raising community awareness and promoting positive behaviour in preventing the harmful effects of tobacco use.
Dr Ha Anh Duc, Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management, Director of the Fund for Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control, and Head of the Contest Organising Committee, stated that in recent years, the fund has supported ministries, sectors, and provinces nationwide in promoting the implementation of smoking bans in accordance with the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control. Through continuous efforts, these initiatives have gradually brought about significant changes in public awareness, sense of responsibility, and behaviour.
Reports show that after ten years of implementing smoke-free environment regulations, exposure to second-hand smoke has dropped significantly at most public places including a reduction in exposure at health facilities from 23.6% in 2010 to 21.3% in 2023.
The 2023 survey results show that 59% of respondents are aware of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control and its regulations, while 74.2% have accessed communication materials on tobacco-harm prevention.
Strengthening communication on tobacco-harm prevention plays and will continue to play a crucial role in fostering positive changes in community awareness and action.
Outstanding entries from the contest will be used in nationwide communication campaigns on tobacco-harm prevention. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in December 2025 in Ha Noi.
