Vietnam Medical Association monitors tobacco harm prevention activities in Hai Phong

The monitoring content focuses on checking each unit's tobacco harm prevention plan , annual reporting , measures to handle violations , as well as an overall assessment of the unit's performance in implementing the smoking ban.

In Hai Phong city, the Department of Health assigned the City Center for Disease Control to take charge of tobacco harm prevention activities. In recent years, tobacco harm prevention activities have achieved remarkable results thanks to the close coordination between departments, unions, social organizations and the participation of the entire political system. Awareness of officials, civil servants and employees about the harmful effects of tobacco and the benefits of a smoke-free environment has been raised. Smoke-free models are increasingly widespread and maintained in many units. Every year, the Steering Committee of the City Tobacco Harm Prevention Program organizes rallies and parades to propagate the Law and the harmful effects of tobacco, and organizes inspections to handle organizations and individuals who violate the law.

Comrade Ong The Vien, expert of the Vietnam Medical Association, spoke at the working session with the Department of Health.

Sharing at the meeting, Dr. Tran Quang Canh - Deputy Director of Hai Phong Department of Health said: To achieve positive results in tobacco control activities, in recent years, the Department of Health has paid special attention to communication work in general and communication on tobacco control activities in particular. Communication activities are diverse in form. The content of tobacco control propaganda has become routine at the grassroots level, contributing to raising public awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco on smokers themselves and those around them, thereby helping to reduce diseases and protect people's health.

Working delegation at the Center for Disease Control (Facility 2)

During the working process, the Monitoring Team highly appreciated the efforts of the units in building a smoke-free medical environment. The monitored facilities all implemented well the work of preventing the harmful effects of tobacco, the affiliated units strictly followed the plan of the Department of Health, 100% of the units established a Steering Committee, developed an annual action plan and had specific reports. No smoking signs were hung in the right places, the organizations signed a commitment not to smoke with officers and employees. Communication work was taken seriously. In addition to opening training courses to raise awareness for officers and employees, the Steering Committee for Tobacco Control in the health sector also coordinated with localities and schools to organize propaganda on topics about the harmful effects of tobacco. ….

The Vietnam Medical Association also requested that the monitored units promptly overcome the limitations that have been pointed out to further improve the PCTHTL activities at the unit , aiming to reduce the rate of smokers and build a healthy living environment.

Source: https://soyte.haiphong.gov.vn/tin-hoat-dong/tong-hoi-y-hoc-viet-nam-giam-sat-hoat-dong-phong-chong-tac-hai-thuoc-la-tai-hai-phong-793323