Diversifying communication on tobacco harm prevention: When awareness changes, behavior will change.

Over the past year, the system of Regional Medical Centers in the province has simultaneously organized many live communication sessions at schools, businesses, agencies and organizations. These are not just simple talks, but also hours of "decoding" about traditional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes - products that are penetrating deeply into young people.

Participants heard about: Toxic ingredients in cigarette smoke; Harmful effects on active and passive smokers; Health, economic and environmental consequences. The special point was the question and answer session. It was the open dialogue that made many students and workers see for the first time the “true face” of electronic cigarettes - which have long been disguised under a trendy, harmless image.

Awareness has changed dramatically: many students have pledged not to try smoking, many workers have shared their desire to quit to protect their families. These small changes are the foundation for a “smoke-free” community.

At the same time, the health sector also opened training courses on building smoke-free environments in restaurants and hotels; and training collaborators in drug addiction counseling. The role of the counseling team is considered a "support" for those who want to quit smoking but have not found a way or are not determined enough.

In the context of strong social network development, PCTHTL messages have been spread through multiple channels: television, radio, newspapers, fanpages, websites, grassroots loudspeakers... Every year, hundreds of news, articles, reports, and columns are published.

Not only promoting the harmful effects of tobacco, talk shows, reports, real stories - real events have created public opinion weight, touched viewers' emotions, helping them understand that smoking is not only harmful to themselves but also to their loved ones.

Visual communication - banners, billboards, posters, leaflets - continues to cover schools, hospitals, government agencies and residential areas. Peak campaigns such as National No Tobacco Week (May 25-31) and World No Tobacco Day (May 31) have become occasions for the community to "look back" and "wake up".

In recent years, the contest to learn about the harmful effects of tobacco has become a highlight of the health sector. In particular, the contest jointly held by the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Training has attracted thousands of students to participate.

The most valuable thing in competitions is not only knowledge. Through that program, we will have new perspectives, which are: The way students speak up for themselves; the creativity in conveying messages; the spread from school to family and community. A message from young people is sometimes more moving than a dry slogan.

Ca Mau is on the right track in its fight against tobacco. It has not only expanded its propaganda efforts, but also shifted from “telling” to “influencing for change”.

E-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, traditional cigarettes – in any form – are all threats to the health and future of the community. And only when each citizen voluntarily says “no” will this fight truly be meaningful.

In the coming time, replicating effective communication models, enhancing creative forms, and linking PCTHTL with the responsibility of each organization and each individual will be the key to reaching the common goal: "For a healthy Vietnam - No tobacco."

Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/da-dang-hoa-truyen-thong-phong-chong-tac-hai-thuoc-la-khi-nhan-thuc-thay-doi-hanh-vi-se-thay-doi-291925