E-cigarettes are thriving in the “gray zone” of public awareness.

(Dan Tri) - Banning e-cigarettes is the right move, but the actual effectiveness is still not as expected due to gaps in implementation.

Banned… but not banned yet

According to research results from the University of Public Health in 11 provinces and cities, the rate of new tobacco use among the 13-17 age group was 2.6% in 2019, this rate increased to 3.5% in 2022 and to 7% in 2023.

In addition, the rate of adults (15 years and older) using e-cigarettes increased from 0.2% in 2015 to 3.6% in 2020, an increase of 18 times.

Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the Poison Control Center (Bach Mai Hospital) said that this is the result of legal delays and inconsistent awareness in society.

Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the Poison Control Center (Bach Mai Hospital) (Photo: Hai Yen).

Vietnam has issued Resolution 173/2024/QH15, completely banning e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. This is considered a progressive decision, prioritizing public health.

However, according to Dr. Nguyen, the Resolution is only a guiding framework:

“For the Resolution to come into practice, there needs to be a sub-law legal document, specifically a Government Decree to guide its implementation. The Ministry of Health and relevant agencies have completed the draft of this Decree, but it is still in the process of collecting opinions and has not been signed for promulgation,” he said.

Aside from legal issues, another barrier is lack of public awareness. Many people still believe that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes or can help them quit smoking.

Meanwhile, reputable studies from Europe and America have shown that e-cigarettes significantly increase the risk of nicotine dependence and can cause users to return to using regular cigarettes.

Current communication efforts are not strong enough to change behavior. Although warnings are printed on packaging, according to Dr. Nguyen, it is “almost no longer convincing enough.”

A civilized society cannot compromise with poison.

The expert said it is necessary to re-establish the basic principle in public health policy, which is to put people's health and lives at the center of all decisions.

“Vietnam needs to take a firm stance like many other countries. Multinational corporations such as Philip Morris or big tobacco companies have sought to gain influence in many countries, including Australia and Thailand. But these countries have stood firm on their principles. They have not let economic interests overshadow their responsibility to protect public health,” Dr. Nguyen cited.

Many countries have stood firm against pressure from tobacco corporations to protect public health (Illustration photo).

However, the policy cannot be effective without the human factor. Currently, there are still many officials, including leaders, who use tobacco. This is an unacceptable paradox.

“I think it is necessary to soon include the no-smoking criterion in the selection and appointment criteria for officials, especially leaders. We cannot talk about protecting public health if policymakers are still aiding harmful habits,” he said.

Dr. Nguyen concluded that a civilized society cannot be built on a foundation of compromise with poison. If we want the country to progress, if we want the young generation to be healthy and self-reliant, all mechanisms, policies and people in the government apparatus must go in the same direction.

Laws must be clear, actions must be decisive and leaders must be pioneers in giving up cigarettes, both old and new.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/thuoc-la-dien-tu-dang-song-khoe-trong-vung-xam-cua-nhan-thuc-cong-dong-20251031065826105.htm