Working together for a smoke-free generation.

Tobacco and new-generation tobacco products are becoming a serious threat to public health, especially for young people. In response to World No Tobacco Day on May 31st and National No Tobacco Week in 2026, Thanh Hoa province is stepping up various communication activities and building a smoke-free environment.

Doctors at Ba Thuoc General Hospital treat patients with respiratory illnesses related to tobacco use.

Increased risks from new generation tobacco products.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 8 million people die globally each year from tobacco-related diseases, with approximately 1.6 million deaths attributed to passive smoking. Tobacco smoke not only directly affects the health of smokers but also seriously impacts those around them, especially pregnant women, children, and the elderly. The WHO states that approximately 50% of children worldwide are exposed to passive smoking, leading to over 65,000 child deaths annually. Of particular concern is the increasing prevalence of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in the lives of young people. With their compact design, eye-catching colors, attractive flavors, and advertising that appeals to curiosity and individuality, these products are becoming a trap for teenagers and young adults.

Many people still mistakenly believe that e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products are "less harmful" than traditional cigarettes. However, the WHO affirms that no tobacco product is completely safe for health. New tobacco products still contain nicotine and many other harmful chemicals that damage the lungs, cardiovascular system, and brain.

Creating a smoke-free environment

The World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen the theme for World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2026: “Unmasking the Deceptive Appeal – Action to Combat Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.” The theme emphasizes exposing the sophisticated strategies of the tobacco industry in attracting a new generation of users, particularly children and adolescents.

The WHO also warned that tobacco companies are using misleading marketing tactics such as promoting "new technology," "less harmful," using eye-catching packaging, and appealing flavors to create a false sense of modernity and safety for young people. Following the Ministry of Health 's directive, the Provincial People's Committee has requested relevant departments, agencies, and localities to urgently implement activities in accordance with actual conditions; and to strengthen inspection and supervision of the implementation of regulations prohibiting smoking in public places, healthcare facilities, schools, workplaces, and other designated no-smoking areas.

Dr. Do Thai Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Health, stated: "In recent years, the work of preventing and controlling the harmful effects of tobacco in the province has achieved many positive results; people's awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco has been increasingly raised; many smoke-free environment models have been effectively maintained in schools, hospitals, agencies, units, and public places. By 2025, the entire province will have 687 kindergartens, 597 primary schools, 615 secondary schools, 61 high schools, and many other educational institutions strictly implementing the regulation prohibiting smoking on school grounds. 100% of provincial and grassroots hospitals have established regulations to implement smoke-free environments within their premises. The health sector has also coordinated and organized many training courses on building smoke-free environments in schools, medical facilities, restaurants, and hotels; and conducted direct communication about the harmful effects of tobacco to the public, patients, and healthcare workers." Media campaigns have been intensified to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and legal regulations on tobacco control. However, in reality, creating smoke-free environments still faces many difficulties. Some areas do not strictly enforce smoking bans; inspections and enforcement of violations remain limited; and the use of e-cigarettes among young people continues to be a complex issue.

According to experts, for tobacco control efforts to be sustainable and effective, the whole society needs to work together. Families need to strengthen management and educate their children about the dangers of e-cigarettes; schools need to promote awareness of prevention skills; agencies and units need to strictly implement smoke-free environments and promote the exemplary role of officials and Party members. Each citizen also needs to raise awareness of protecting their own health and the community by saying no to tobacco and proactively quitting if they are currently smoking. Because quitting smoking not only helps reduce the risk of disease but also contributes to building a healthier and more civilized living environment.

"For your own health and the health of your family, quit smoking today" is not only a message in response to World No Tobacco Day, but also a reminder for everyone to take action to protect the younger generation from the dangers of nicotine and tobacco smoke, towards a healthy, smoke-free community.

Text and photos: To Ha

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/chung-tay-vi-mot-the-he-khong-khoi-thuoc-289412.htm