Vietnam Records 1.2K Hospitalization Linked to E-Cigarette in 2023: MoH

Vietnam recorded over 1,200 hospital admissions related to the use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, with many of the cases involving adolescents, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health (MoH).

This information was presented at a seminar titled "Preventing the Harms of New Tobacco: Scientific Evidence and Experiences in Vietnam and Worldwide," organized by the VinFuture Foundation in Hanoi on September 24.

Professor Hoang Van Minh, rector of the University of Public Health, noted that many individuals misunderstand or overlook the risks associated with e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. He emphasized the need for immediate action to develop and implement strict regulatory policies for these products.

Executive Director of the Global Governance and Control of Tobacco Center in Thailand Bungon Ritthiphakdee pointed out that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco still contain addictive nicotine. The global medical community, including the World Health Organization, has recognized serious lung injury cases associated with e-cigarette use.

Ms. Ritthiphakdee also mentioned that limiting tobacco use poses challenges, as countries like Laos and Cambodia maintain low taxes on tobacco, while Singapore and Thailand have imposed taxes exceeding 75%. She urged countries to adopt robust legal frameworks to tackle these challenges and protect future generations from nicotine addiction.

Associate Professor Becky Freeman from the University of Sydney shared measures that helped Australia reduce daily smoking rates from 30% to below 10%. She argued that e-cigarettes need to be regulated in their promotion on digital platforms.

A survey conducted across 11 provinces in Vietnam revealed that the usage rate of e-cigarettes among students aged 13-17 rose from 2.6% in 2019 to 8.1% in 2023. Among the 13-15 age group, the rate more than doubled from 3.5% in 2022 to 8% in 2023, with a notable 4.3% usage rate among females aged 11-18 in 2023.

(VnExpress, Suc Khoe Doi Song, Chinh Sach Cuoc Song, Dau Tu)