Stronger laws and policies to curb tobacco use
To further reduce the damage caused by tobacco, coordinated solutions must be implemented, with the creation of smoke-free environments remaining a crucial priority.
The Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control came into force on May 1, 2013. Since then, the Ministry of Health has worked with relevant ministries and sectors to issue numerous decisions, plans, directives, and guidance documents aimed at tackling tobacco-related harm.
Under Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15, from January 1, 2025, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products will be classified as prohibited items in Viet Nam.
In June, the National Assembly passed amendments to the Law on Special Consumption Tax, introducing a mixed tax system from 2027 and setting out a roadmap for continuous tobacco tax increases until 2031.
The Ministry of Health is committed to refining policies and guidelines, strengthening inspection and supervision, and closely coordinating with ministries, sectors, and localities to synchronise tobacco harm prevention and control measures.
Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan
According to the Ministry of Health, tobacco remains one of the leading causes of disease and death, linked to lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and many other serious conditions.
In Viet Nam, tobacco use is responsible for around 84,500 deaths annually—equivalent to more than 230 deaths per day—while tens of thousands suffer severe consequences from passive smoking.
The prevalence of smoking among men has fallen from 45.3% in 2015 to 38.9% in 2023. However, these figures remain below expectations and targets, particularly as electronic cigarette use is rising among adolescents and young adults.
This situation requires ministries, sectors, and authorities at all levels to intensify efforts to reduce tobacco use in the community, thereby lowering health risks, cutting mortality rates, and fulfilling commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan affirmed that the ministry is committed to refining policies and guidelines, strengthening inspection and supervision, and closely coordinating with ministries, sectors, and localities to synchronise tobacco harm prevention and control measures.
Expanding the smoke-free movement across society
To spread the movement for smoke-free environments, the Ministry of Health has launched the ‘Smoke-Free Healthcare Facilities’ initiative. Such facilities are not only a legal requirement but also a professional standard and a reflection of hospital culture.
The ministry has urged hospital directors, medical centres, clinics, and other healthcare institutions to take direct responsibility for establishing smoke-free environments, treating this as a core indicator of hospital management. It is also considered a criterion for staff evaluation and recognition.
The ministry calls on every hospital, department, healthcare worker, patient, and family member to join hands in making “smoke-free healthcare facilities” a daily norm, ensuring that every square metre of hospital space is a safe zone for life.
The Ministry of Health calls on every hospital, department, healthcare worker, patient, and family member to join hands in making “smoke-free healthcare facilities” a daily norm, ensuring that every square metre of hospital space is a safe zone for life.
The smoke-free movement is also extending to other sectors, including education, transport, and tourism.
The Fund for the Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms, under the Ministry of Health, is working with localities to promote smoke-free environments in restaurants, hotels, and public spaces.
This initiative supports the implementation of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control and contributes to building civilised, welcoming, and safe tourist destinations.
Dr Ha Anh Duc, Director of the Medical Service Administration at the Ministry of Health and head of the Fund for the Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms, has asked restaurants and hotels to comply with regulations, take the lead in establishing and maintaining smoke-free environments, and view this as a benchmark of service quality—not only for community health but also to safeguard the wellbeing of their own staff.
Building a smoke-free environment requires the participation of every resident and visitor. Collective action is essential to discourage smoking in public spaces and to remind one another of our shared duty to protect the environment.
