In the last decade, Vietnam has made remarkable progress in reducing traditional smoking rates -- progress that now hangs in the balance as e-cigarettes rapidly gain popularity.

Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, representing the Vietnam Tobacco Control Fund (VNTCF), recently delivered a presentation titled 'Implementing Tobacco Harm Reduction Laws and Policies Worldwide and in Vietnam.'

The VNTCF, operating under the Ministry of Health, has raised serious concerns over the alarming rise in e-cigarette use across the country.

Huong presented alarming statistics showing that e-cigarette use among students aged 13-15 surged to eight percent in 2023 from 3.5 percent in 2022.

This trend is also seen among adults, with e-cigarette use increasing to 3.6 percent in 2020 from just 0.2 percent in 2015.

The data suggests that Vietnam's progress in reducing traditional smoking rates over the past decade is now at risk owing to the rising popularity of e-cigarettes, especially among young people.

Zero evidence of harm reduction or addiction treatment

During the presentation, Dao The Son from a public health organization emphasized that all tobacco products are harmful to health, disputing claims made by the tobacco industry regarding harm reduction and addiction cessation.

Both e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that poses serious health risks, particularly to the brain development of children and adolescents.

In addition, these products contain harmful chemicals, some of which may be carcinogenic.

Globally, there have been numerous reports of acute and severe lung injuries linked to e-cigarette use.

In Vietnam alone, the Poison Control Center at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi reported 120 cases of hospitalization over e-cigarette poisoning in 2022 and 2023.

Misleading information about harm

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that promoting heated tobacco as having fewer harmful chemicals than conventional cigarettes can mislead users about its dangers.

WHO urges countries to take action to prevent unfounded claims regarding the safety of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

As e-cigarette use continues to rise, Vietnam must address this issue effectively to protect public health and maintain its hard-won progress in reducing smoking rates.

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