Making smoke-free environments a reality from the grassroots level.

(PLVN) - Many localities are stepping up efforts to prevent and control the harmful effects of tobacco, aiming to create smoke-free living environments. However, reality shows that tobacco remains easily accessible, while implementing no-smoking regulations at the grassroots level still faces many difficulties. Mr. Le Tuan Anh, Head of the Department of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control at the Nghe An Center for Disease Control (CDC), discusses this situation and proposes solutions to make tobacco harm prevention and control more effective.

Sir, in 2026, how did the Nghe An CDC implement its tobacco harm prevention and control work according to the provincial People's Committee's plan? In particular, leading up to World No Tobacco Day on May 31st, what activities will the unit focus on to ensure the effective implementation of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm?

Mr. Le Tuan Anh: In 2026, the Nghe An CDC implemented tobacco harm prevention and control work according to Plan No. 286/KH-UBND dated April 20, 2026, of the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control in Nghe An Province in 2026.

From the beginning of 2026, we coordinated with the Department of Health to organize a meeting of the Steering Committee for Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control to implement key activities. At the same time, the Nghe An CDC organized two training courses on inspection, examination, and supervision of the implementation of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control for the Provincial Inspectorate and six wards in the former Vinh City area.

In addition, we also implemented the construction of smoke-free workplace models at the People's Committees of wards in the former Vinh City area; conducted surveys on compliance with the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm at designated no-smoking areas; and monitored the establishment of smoke-free government offices in 6 wards (belonging to the former Vinh City).

Leading up to World No Tobacco Day on May 31st, the Nghe An CDC will coordinate with the Department of Health to organize rallies and seminars in response to World No Tobacco Day. At the same time, we will also coordinate with the Department of Health to conduct inter-agency inspections to enforce the law on tobacco harm prevention at restaurants, hotels, educational institutions, accommodation establishments, and government agencies.

The Nghe An CDC has been stepping up its efforts in promoting and guiding the creation of smoke-free environments at facilities in recent times.

- Could you share more about the practical implementation of tobacco harm prevention and control work in your locality? In your opinion, what are the advantages and difficulties that the Nghe An CDC is currently experiencing, especially in bringing the smoke-free regulations into practice at the grassroots level?

Mr. Le Tuan Anh : During the implementation process, we received support from the Department of Health, the Steering Committee for Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control, the City People's Committee, and other departments, agencies, and organizations. Inter-agency coordination activities have also been strengthened annually to improve effectiveness. The People's Committee and relevant agencies and units have issued specific directives and guidelines for the implementation of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control.

In addition, we also received professional and financial support from CCIHP. This is an important source of support, helping the locality to have more resources to implement activities to prevent and control the harmful effects of tobacco.

However, alongside these advantages, we also face many difficulties. First, the awareness of some people remains limited, and they are still complacent about the harmful effects of tobacco. In many organizations, key leaders still smoke and have not set a good example in creating a smoke-free environment.

The sale of cigarettes remains relatively easy, widespread, inexpensive, and not strictly regulated. People, including minors and students, still have access to cigarettes.

Another difficulty is that the locality has not yet established facilities to support smoking cessation. Counseling activities at hospitals are currently mostly integrated into other services, lacking in-depth counseling or the use of medication to support those with severe addiction.

Furthermore, the "no smoking" policy has not been mandated by law in the regulations on emulation and reward, resulting in inconsistent implementation, with some areas complying while others do not. Inspection and enforcement are also limited due to a small number of inspectors and insufficient funding, making regular inspections difficult.

We also face difficulties in dealing with the smuggling and transportation of illegal cigarettes, because the violators constantly change their methods and tactics, making detection and prosecution difficult.

In terms of human resources, the number of responsible officials is limited and unstable; many hold multiple positions, while personnel in coordinating units frequently change. This has resulted in the implementation of tobacco harm prevention and control not being truly widespread, comprehensive, and synchronized.

The Nghe An CDC organized a training session on building smoke-free environments at the headquarters of ward and commune People's Committees in the area.

- Given these difficulties, what solutions do you think are needed to make tobacco control efforts at the local level more effective?

Mr. Le Tuan Anh: To make tobacco harm prevention and control efforts more effective in 2026, I believe that, first and foremost, we need to strengthen the enforcement of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control in schools. Schools need to provide training for both teachers and students; and at the same time, organize competitions to raise awareness about tobacco harm prevention and control among students, and provide appropriate promotional materials to help them better understand the harmful effects of tobacco.

Furthermore, continued support is needed to build smoke-free environments in schools, agencies, organizations, and at all levels and sectors in the locality. This should not be limited to simply posting "no smoking" signs, but should also include guiding schools, agencies, and organizations in developing specific documents, regulations, and procedures to effectively implement smoke-free environments.

Furthermore, it is necessary to further strengthen the participation of departments, agencies, organizations, and units in implementing the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm. These forces need to be trained, their awareness and responsibility enhanced so that they can participate in monitoring, disseminating information, and reminding the community.

Another crucial aspect is the need for strict control over the business and trade of tobacco products, especially retail tobacco sales, and compliance with regulations prohibiting the sale of tobacco in restricted locations as stipulated by law. Simultaneously, it is necessary to intensify efforts to combat tobacco smuggling, counterfeit tobacco, and new-generation tobacco products; and to closely manage the operations of bars, karaoke venues, and nightclubs, as these are locations with a high risk of violations if not regularly inspected and monitored.

The Nghe An CDC organized a training course on inspection, examination, and supervision of the implementation of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm for relevant units.

- On World No Tobacco Day, May 31st, what message would you like to send to the people of Nghe An, especially the youth – a group that is particularly vulnerable to new forms of tobacco promotion today?

Mr. Le Tuan Anh: On World No Tobacco Day, May 31, 2026, the World Health Organization has chosen the theme "Unmasking the False Attraction – Action to Combat Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction." I want to send a message to the people of Nghe An, especially the youth: Tobacco not only harms smokers but also directly affects those around them, especially children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. Tobacco smoke increases the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and many other long-term health problems.

Creating a smoke-free living environment is not solely the responsibility of the healthcare sector, but rather the responsibility of every family, school, agency, business, and society as a whole. Each person can begin with very simple actions: not smoking at home, not smoking in public places, not offering cigarettes to others, reminding family members to quit smoking, and supporting smoke-free zones.

I hope that every citizen of Nghe An, especially young people, will proactively say no to tobacco, particularly e-cigarettes, and not be deceived by advertising, flavors, or appearances that seem "modern" or "less harmful." Together, we can build a healthier, more civilized, and safer living environment for today and for future generations.

Thank you very much, sir!

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/dua-moi-truong-khong-khoi-thuoc-di-vao-thuc-chat-tu-co-so.html