Health official urges medical staff to say no to tobacco, as smoking kills over 100,000 Vietnamese a year

Dr. Lan made the call at a ceremony recently held by the institute to commemorate World No Tobacco Day (May 31) and to mark both the National Action Month for Domestic Violence Prevention and Control and the Action Month for Children 2025 (June 1-30).

Her appeal comes as Vietnam 's law-making National Assembly has banned the production, trade, import, storage, transportation, and use of e-cigarettes, HTPs, and other addictive or harmful substances affecting human health.

The resolution, issued on November 30, 2024, took effect on January 1, 2025.

Her appeal comes as Vietnam's law-making National Assembly passed Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15 on November 30, 2024, enacting a comprehensive ban on the production, trade, import, storage, transportation, and use of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and other addictive or harmful substances affecting human health.

The prohibition took effect on January 1, 2025.

"More than anyone else, those working in the health sector have a clear understanding of the harms of tobacco products, especially e-cigarettes and HTPs, which are rapidly spreading among youth," Lan told the ceremony.

"They should therefore say no to such harmful items."

As a leading institution in traditional medicine, the institute not only specializes in treatment expertise but also actively participates in programs that promote communication, education, and community awareness related to disease prevention and health protection.

Through various initiatives – such as interactive media activities, signing smoke-free commitments, creating inspirational slogans, and giving gifts to patients – Dr. Lan hopes to inspire everyone, from healthcare staff to patients and the broader community, to take concrete actions.

According to Dr. Lan, beyond the hazards of tobacco, healthcare professionals are acutely aware of the silent and painful scourge of domestic violence.

They are deeply concerned about ensuring that children – the future of the nation – grow up in safe, loving, and healthy environments.

Specifically, these actions include saying no to tobacco to ensure healthy lungs for oneself and others; speaking out and taking action to eliminate domestic violence, particularly against women and children; and dedicating more attention, love, and protection to the citizens of the future.

Over 100,000 Vietnamese die from tobacco each year

In Vietnam, according to estimates from the World Health Organization, tobacco use causes over 100,000 deaths annually.

Of these, approximately 84,500 deaths are due to diseases related to active smoking, and another 18,800 deaths result from illnesses associated with passive smoking.

Tobacco use imposes a severe and escalating burden in terms of disease, premature death, and healthcare costs.

The economic damage from tobacco is estimated to exceed VND100 trillion (US$3.84 billion) each year.

Data from the Ministry of Health shows that the use of e-cigarettes and HTPs among students aged 13 to 15 rose sharply to eight percent in 2023 from 3.5 percent in 2022.

In 2023, e-cigarette and HTP use was reported at 7.3 percent among people aged 15 to 24.

The rates were lower in older age groups – 3.2 percent among those aged 25 to 44, and 1.4 percent among those 45 to 64.

A growing number of poisoning cases linked to e-cigarette and HTP use have been reported, mostly involving students, including many females.

That year alone, 1,224 hospitalizations were attributed to these products, with common symptoms including allergic reactions, poisoning, and acute lung injury.