Building a smoke-free community: Efforts from schools to health stations

Hue City Center for Disease Control monitors tobacco harm prevention and control at 4 medical and educational units in the area. The results show many positive, synchronous and substantial changes.

Recently, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) of Hue City organized a monitoring session on the implementation of tobacco harm prevention and control (PCTHTL) at 4 units including: Huong Xuan Commune Health Station, Huong Son Commune Health Station, Huong Hoa Secondary School and Huong Son Primary School.

The monitoring delegation included leaders of the Department of Communication and Health Education (under CDC Hue). On the side of the monitored units, there were representatives of leaders and members of the Steering Committee for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control to coordinate.

The working group inspected and supervised the implementation of tobacco control activities and the construction of a smoke-free environment according to the provisions of Article 11 of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control. The monitoring content closely followed the prescribed forms for places where smoking is completely prohibited indoors and on campus.

Accordingly, all units have established a Steering Committee for Tobacco Control, developed annual action plans, organized the implementation of propaganda, guidance, inspection, and signed commitments to no smoking at agencies and schools. Many places have proactively posted no-smoking signs in visible locations such as hallways, meeting rooms, public reception areas, classrooms, etc.

Some surveillance images at the units

In addition to reviewing records, the delegation also directly supervised the actual situation at the facility. Through inspection, schools and health stations did not record smoking behavior in the campus, offices, or classrooms. There were no ashtrays or cigarette butts at the scene. At the same time, no advertising, marketing, or sale of tobacco was detected within the premises of agencies or schools.

The monitoring results show that the units have basically implemented the PCTHTL contents well, showing interest and initiative in building a safe and healthy working and learning environment. Notably, two units, Huong Hoa Secondary School and Huong Son Primary School, were recognized as "Smoke-free Units" in the first monitoring. The two Health Stations of Huong Xuan and Huong Son communes were rated as good.

The monitoring delegation also emphasized that in order to maintain the effectiveness and improve the quality of the implementation of the Law on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, units need to continue to promote the pioneering and exemplary role of leaders, teachers, and medical staff in propaganda and implementation. The work of educating students and the community needs to be focused on in many diverse and creative forms. At the same time, internal inspections should be periodically organized to promptly detect and correct violations (if any).

Building a smoke-free environment in medical facilities and schools not only contributes to the effective implementation of the Law on Tobacco Control but also helps spread healthy lifestyles in the community. The results of this monitoring are an important stepping stone for the local health sector to continue expanding the "smoke-free unit" model, aiming to protect the health of the entire population, especially the younger generation.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/xay-dung-don-vi-khong-khoi-thuoc-no-luc-tu-truong-hoc-den-tram-y-te-20250722115724186.htm