For a smoke-free future

Handling cases involving the sale of tobacco and cosmetics of unknown origin.
Tighten regulations on tobacco product display at retail outlets.
Tan Tien Border Guard Station discovered and seized 200 packs of cigarettes of unknown origin.

With the theme "Unmasking the False Allure - Taking Action to Combat Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction," the launch ceremony aimed to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products; and to call on all levels of government, sectors, and the public to work together to build a smoke-free living environment.

Delegates attending the launch ceremony.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco causes more than 8 million deaths globally each year, including approximately 1.6 million deaths due to passive smoking. In Vietnam, the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products among teenagers is on the rise, posing many risks to public health.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Distinguished Pharmacist, Specialist Doctor II Vuong Huu Tien, Deputy Director of the Ca Mau Provincial Department of Health, requested that departments, sectors, and localities continue to promote awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco; build smoke-free environments in offices, schools, medical facilities, and public places; and enhance the responsibility of leaders in implementing the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm.

Deputy Director of the Ca Mau Provincial Department of Health, Vuong Huu Tien, delivered a speech at the launching ceremony.

At the same time, strengthen inspections, checks, and strictly handle acts of advertising, buying, selling, and using e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products illegally; encourage people to proactively quit smoking and build a healthy lifestyle for their own health , their families, and the community.

Tobacco not only harms those who use it directly but also seriously affects those around them, especially pregnant women and young children. Therefore, raising awareness among young people to proactively say no to tobacco is considered a crucial solution in the current fight against the harmful effects of tobacco.

Ma Hai Yen, a student at Ca Mau Medical College, shared: “Smoking is harmful to health, whether it's traditional cigarettes or heated tobacco. Don't sacrifice your health and affect your loved ones for curiosity or to show off. Young people today should be brave enough to say no to cigarettes for a green, smoke-free future.”

Ma Hai Yen, a student at Ca Mau Medical College, shared the message "say no to tobacco" at the launch ceremony.

Despite the achievements, the fight against the harmful effects of tobacco still faces many difficulties, as a segment of the population does not strictly comply with regulations prohibiting smoking in public places; inspections and enforcement of violations in some areas are not carried out regularly. Even more worrying is the increasing prevalence of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products among young people.

Following the launch ceremony, the participating forces marched through Tan Thanh ward to spread the message of working together to combat nicotine and tobacco addiction.