Protecting young people from next-generation tobacco products.

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2026, chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO), is “Unmasking the Deceptive Appeal – Action to Combat Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.” This message emphasizes the need to correctly identify the risks of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, especially as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products tend to reach young people in attractive forms that easily mislead them about their safety.

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2026, chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO), is “Unmasking the Deceptive Appeal – Action to Combat Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.” This message emphasizes the need to correctly identify the risks of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, especially as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products tend to reach young people in attractive forms that easily mislead them about their safety.

Say no to new generation tobacco products. (Illustrative image by AI)

In Vietnam, there are currently over 15 million tobacco smokers (including both traditional and new-generation tobacco products). It is estimated that over 100,000 deaths are related to tobacco use each year. According to doctors, the habit of smoking is the beginning of a chain of health risks, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, etc., all contain many harmful substances that seriously affect the health of both direct smokers and those who inhale secondhand smoke.

Holding a compact vaping device in her hand, TQN (17 years old, a student at a high school in Phuoc Hau ward) admitted that she started vaping out of curiosity: "Initially, I tried it because I saw my classmates passing around a device that looked like a USB. It had a very fragrant milk tea flavor, so I tried it, and then I got hooked without realizing it. Now, when I go out with friends, I can't stand not having it."

N.'s story is not unique. According to Dr. Tran Van Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Health, the emergence of a new generation of electronic devices with eye-catching designs, disguised as school supplies or technology accessories, accompanied by advertisements claiming they are "less harmful," has attracted a segment of young people.

“E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products contain very high levels of nicotine, making them highly addictive and negatively impacting the central nervous system. For teenagers whose brains are not yet fully developed, nicotine impairs concentration, memory, and emotional control. Even more concerning, those who try to quit traditional tobacco using e-cigarettes often fall into a state of ‘double addiction’—that is, using both types. Furthermore, this smoke contains a range of toxic chemicals that cause cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), myocardial infarction, brain damage, etc.,” Mr. Tran Van Tien analyzed.

According to the Provincial Center for Disease Control, the rate of e-cigarette use among the local population is currently at 1.7%. Notably, 87.8% of the population are aware of the dangerous diseases caused by e-cigarettes, and over 93% understand the harmful effects of smoke. This result stems from the province's vigorous efforts to create smoke-free environments in healthcare facilities, schools, and agencies, incorporating this into regulations and performance criteria, linking it to the responsibilities of the heads of these organizations.

Although the average smoking rate among local men has decreased by 0.5% annually thanks to the campaign to create smoke-free environments, this fight still faces significant challenges as the smoking rate is trending younger. Surveys show that buying and using tobacco remains relatively easy in public places. The rate of exposure to passive smoking at home is as high as 66.2%, and at work it is 43%. Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs have the highest rates of secondhand smoke exposure.

To further enhance the effectiveness of tobacco harm prevention and control efforts and build a healthy living environment, the Department of Health has requested that departments, agencies, organizations, and localities strengthen the dissemination and serious implementation of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control; and promote the development of smoke-free workplaces, schools, and medical facilities. Authorities will inspect and strictly handle the production, trading, import, storage, transportation, and use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products in accordance with Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15 of the National Assembly and Decree No. 90/2026/ND-CP of the Government.

"The Department of Health calls on officials, civil servants, employees, and citizens to seriously comply with the regulations prohibiting smoking in the workplace and to build a smoke-free living environment for the health of themselves, their families, and the community," said Mr. Tran Van Tien.

According to Deputy Director of the Department of Health, Tran Van Tien, the prevention and control of the harmful effects of tobacco in schools requires coordinated efforts between families, schools, and the health sector. In particular, the supervisory and exemplary role of parents is considered a key factor in preventing teenagers from accessing new-generation tobacco products. Electronic and heated tobacco products are not "less harmful" products, but rather more sophisticated forms of addiction. Early identification and timely action are the ways to protect the health and future of the younger generation.

THUY QUYEN

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/xa-hoi/y-te/202605/ngay-the-gioi-khong-thuoc-la-315-bao-ve-gioi-tre-khoi-thuoc-la-the-he-moi-58f11f7/