For World No Tobacco Day on May 31, the Ministry of Health has launched a media campaign aimed at preventing the use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products to safeguard children and public health. — VNA/VNS Photo Trần Minh

In observance of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has launched a media campaign aimed at preventing the use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products to safeguard children and public health.

This year's theme, initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), is 'Protecting children from tobacco industry interference.'

Deputy Minister of Health Trần Văn Thuấn reported a significant increase in electronic cigarette use among students aged 13 to 17, rising from 2.6 per cent in 2019 to 8.1 per cent in 2023.

In those aged 13 to 15, usage more than doubled from 3.5 per cent in 2022 to 8 per cent in 2023.

WHO emphasised that this day is an opportunity for young people worldwide to raise awareness and demand that the tobacco industry stop targeting children and adolescents with harmful products.

It also calls on governments to implement strong tobacco control measures to protect youth from tobacco advertising, including on social media and digital platforms.

MoH's campaign not only aims to raise awareness but also to take concrete actions to prevent and reduce the use of new tobacco products in the community, particularly among teenagers, who are the most vulnerable group.

"We will focus on raising public awareness about the harms of heated tobacco and electronic cigarettes, and encourage parents, schools, and the community to work together to protect the younger generation," minister Thuấn said.

In implementing the National Strategy for Tobacco Harm Prevention and the recent directive from Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on strengthening the management of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, numerous practical activities have been carried out by ministries, organisations and localities. These activities include the campaign 'Vietnamese youth say no to tobacco and electronic cigarettes.'

MoH calls on agencies, organisations and the entire community to continue engaging in practical activities and enhancing communication to build a smoke-free environment and strictly enforce the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention.

Schools are urged to intensify education and organise extracurricular activities to equip students with the knowledge to protect themselves from the allure of new-generation tobacco products.

Parents should talk to their children about the risks of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco, helping them understand and confidently say no to these products. — VNS