The tobacco industry poses a significant health burden, with total costs of medical examination and treatment, sickness, and death amounting to 108,000 billion VND/year. This figure is estimated by the Health Economics Association and highlights the substantial impact that tobacco use has on individual and community health. Despite some progress in reducing smoking rates among adults, the emergence of new tobacco products like electronic cigarettes and heated cigarettes poses a threat to public health.
The Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan emphasized the importance of quitting smoking during a meeting in Hanoi on World No Tobacco Day. She expressed concern about the doubling rate of e-cigarette use among 13-15 year olds and urged immediate action to prevent further increases in tobacco use among Vietnamese youth. The World Health Organization reports over 8 million deaths globally each year due to tobacco use, with Vietnam bearing a substantial portion of these costs.
The Minister also highlighted the need for strong tobacco prevention measures to shield children from the negative effects of tobacco advertising. The World Health Organization urges governments to implement effective policies that raise awareness about the dangers posed by the tobacco industry, particularly in targeting children and teenagers with harmful products. By implementing these policies, it is possible to mitigate the impact of tobacco and protect the well-being of future generations.