Vietnam tightens tobacco laws ahead of World No Tobacco Day 2026
Vietnam is stepping up its fight against tobacco use ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has launched a fresh campaign to reduce smoking rates and enforce stricter controls. This push follows a call from Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan for tougher action against violations of tobacco laws.
The effort comes as the country reports a drop in male smoking rates, from 47.4% in 2010 to 38.9% in 2023. The MoH has ordered provinces and cities to boost public awareness about the dangers of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. Local authorities must now include tobacco control measures in annual plans, workplace rules, and community regulations.
Tobacco use is linked to 28 disease groups, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Globally, it causes over 8 million deaths each year and costs economies up to US$1.4 trillion—1.8% of the world’s GDP in 2021.
Vietnam has seen progress in reducing smoking and secondhand smoke exposure in homes, public spaces, and workplaces. The MoH is also demanding stronger inspections to evaluate enforcement efforts, with results tied to the performance reviews of officials.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the theme for World No Tobacco Day 2026 as ‘unmasking the deceptive appeal’ to tackle nicotine and tobacco addiction. The campaign aims to further cut tobacco use through stricter laws and public education. Authorities will monitor compliance and assess the impact of their measures. Vietnam’s efforts align with global initiatives to reduce smoking-related harm and economic losses.
