Urgent for public health

With tobacco and new-generation tobacco products becoming an increasing threat to public health, campaigns and actions against new-generation tobacco products are more urgent than ever.

The new generation anti-tobacco campaign: Urgent for public health.

With tobacco and new-generation tobacco products becoming an increasing threat to public health, campaigns and actions against new-generation tobacco products are more urgent than ever.

Despite significant progress in reducing smoking rates, tobacco use, particularly among young people, remains a complex issue.

Building a smoke-free community is not only the responsibility of authorities but also of every individual in society. Acting together for a smoke-free community – that's the important message that needs to be widely disseminated, with the active participation of everyone.

Tobacco has been proven to cause a range of dangerous diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and many others.

Each year, tobacco claims the lives of more than 8 million people globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke also face the risk of developing similar diseases.

As for newer tobacco products, research shows that although they don't produce smoke directly like traditional cigarettes, they still contain nicotine and harmful chemicals, not to mention the potential for containing narcotics.

Scientific studies have shown that e-cigarettes are not a safe option and can be just as harmful as traditional cigarettes, especially to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Worryingly, many people, particularly young people, are increasingly using these new generation cigarettes with a misconception about their safety.

Building a smoke-free community requires a collective effort from everyone, from the government and social organizations to every individual in the community.

Health experts and researchers agree that, to minimize the harm of tobacco to public health, we must improve public awareness and education , strengthen monitoring and management of new-generation tobacco products, and support people in quitting smoking.

According to Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the Poison Control Center at Bach Mai Hospital, the increasing popularity and easy accessibility of new-generation tobacco products are making it easier for young people to fall into nicotine addiction.

Tobacco awareness campaigns should not only focus on current smokers but also target high-risk groups, such as teenagers and those working in high-risk environments (industrial workers, farmers exposed to tobacco smoke).

At the same time, support for quitting smoking through counseling programs, telephone support, or healthcare facilities needs to be expanded and made more accessible.

To achieve this goal, we need to act today. According to some experts, we need to regularly raise awareness about the harmful effects of new generation tobacco products.

Dr. Nguyen believes that comprehensive information about the harmful effects of traditional cigarettes and new-generation tobacco products needs to be implemented strongly and widely.

Publicity campaigns can utilize mass media, social networks, and community activities to emphasize that tobacco is an undeniable threat to public health, regardless of the type.

One of the most effective measures to reduce tobacco use is to ban tobacco advertising and marketing in all forms. This has proven effective in many countries, helping to reduce the number of smokers, especially young people. In addition, authorities need to strictly control the sale of new generation tobacco products.

Healthcare facilities, schools, government agencies, and businesses need to implement smoke-free policies, creating healthy, smoke-free working and learning environments. This not only protects the health of non-smokers but also creates social pressure to help smokers recognize the risks and find ways to quit.

Smoking cessation programs should be provided free of charge and easily accessible to those in need. Hospitals, health centers, and smoking cessation support facilities should be adequately equipped with the necessary methods and professional staff to assist smokers.

The government, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and communities need to work together to implement coordinated anti-tobacco action programs. The government needs to maintain and develop tobacco control policies, increase tobacco taxes, and strictly enforce regulations on tobacco advertising and sales.

According to Mr. Nguyen Huy Quang, former Director of the Legal Department of the Ministry of Health, to prevent new tobacco products, we cannot rely solely on measures from the government or health authorities.

Each of us has a crucial role to play in the fight against tobacco. Acting together for a smoke-free community is not only about protecting our own health, but also the health of our families, our communities, and future generations.

For those who are currently smoking, be aware of the harm and begin the journey to quit. Don't hesitate to seek support from professionals and smoking cessation programs.

"For parents, be role models in living a healthy lifestyle and educating your children about the harmful effects of tobacco. For organizations and communities, promote the creation of smoke-free environments and organize awareness campaigns," Mr. Quang said.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/chien-dich-tuyen-truyen-chong-thuoc-la-the-he-moi-cap-thiet-vi-suc-khoe-cong-dong-d234817.html