Dong Thap builds a smoke-free environment

Updated date: 05/15/2025 13:38:01

DTO - In recent years, the work of preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco in Dong Thap province has recorded many positive changes, especially in building a smoke-free environment in medical facilities, schools and public places. However, there are still many difficulties in the process of maintaining and expanding the effectiveness of this activity.

A school that does a good job of creating a smoke-free environment

According to the latest research report of the Dong Thap Provincial Center for Disease Control, 100% of hospitals, medical stations and schools from kindergarten to high school monitored in the province have strictly implemented the smoking ban. Many facilities are recognized for maintaining a clean, smoke-free working, learning and medical examination and treatment environment. This is the result of close coordination between the government, the health sector and related units in propaganda and monitoring work. In addition, many restaurants and hotels also comply with this regulation well, with a compliance rate of up to more than 95%. This shows that people and businesses' awareness of the harmful effects of cigarette smoke is gradually improving.

However, despite many improvements, smoking in Dong Thap province remains high, especially among men at 35.1% and women at 0.7%. Notably, the rate of passive smoking (inhaling smoke from others) is still common, with 43.6% of people affected at home and 38.4% at work; 82.3% of people noticed signs of smoking in restaurants, 60% at cafes and 50% at hotels. This rate is lower in government agencies at 25.5% and in medical facilities at 28.2%. This shows that many people are still not aware of the harmful effects of smoking in public places or at home.

Schools post "no smoking" signs to help promote and build a smoke-free environment.

Currently, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of resources to implement monitoring and propaganda measures. Many localities do not have enough funding and personnel to carry out regular inspections, leading to uneven enforcement of regulations. In addition, sanctions are limited and not strong enough to deter violations.

To improve the effectiveness of tobacco harm prevention, the province needs to continue to promote propaganda, especially targeting high-risk groups such as teenagers and workers. Monitoring needs to be carried out more frequently in public areas such as restaurants, bus stations, markets, parks and, more importantly, with the active participation of the people. Smokers need to be aware of respecting public spaces, while non-smokers should boldly remind them when they see violations. Community cooperation will be a key factor in helping us move closer to the goal of effectively building a smoke-free living and working environment.

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Source: https://baodongthap.vn/suc-khoe/dong-thap-xay-dung-moi-truong-khong-khoi-thuoc-131467.aspx