Things to do after the new generation cigarette ban comes into effect

The new generation tobacco ban has been passed by Congress, but monitoring and controlling e-cigarette and heated tobacco products on the market can be challenging.

The new generation tobacco ban has been passed by Congress, but monitoring and controlling e-cigarette and heated tobacco products on the market can be challenging.

These products are often illegally imported or sold through online channels, where control is difficult. Detecting and handling violations requires close coordination between authorities, especially market management agencies, customs and police.

Ms. Nguyen Thi An discussed the ban on new generation cigarettes with reporters from Dau Tu Newspaper. Photo: Chi Cuong

Furthermore, educating and changing consumer habits is not easy. Many people, especially young people, may still not be fully aware of the health risks of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. A very strong communication strategy is needed to change public perception of the harmful effects of these products.

Ms. Nguyen Thi An, Director of HealthBridge Organization, shared that among other challenges is creating enough facilities and resources to provide addiction treatment services for people who have used e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

While we may ban these products, people may still continue to smoke traditional cigarettes or other products, so providing effective support, counselling and cessation services is vital.

The implementation of smoking cessation programs needs support from health and community organizations, and the participation of health professionals, scientists and social organizations.

How to solve the problem of importing and distributing electronic cigarettes through unofficial channels is also a matter of concern because according to Ms. An, this is a big challenge that not only Vietnam but also many other countries are facing. To solve this problem.

Vietnam needs to strengthen inspection and supervision at border gates, strengthen control of online transactions and strongly promote legal consequences for organizations and individuals who violate the law.

Authorities such as customs and police forces need to work closely to stop the trade of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products through unofficial channels.

In addition, providing transparent and authoritative information about the dangers of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to the community also helps reduce the demand for these products.

Communication campaigns can focus on online channels and social media, where many young audiences tend to learn about and purchase these products.

In addition, according to the Director of HealthBridge Organization, Vietnam needs to work with e-commerce platforms and telecommunications companies to conduct inspections and stop selling e-cigarette and heated tobacco products.

International cooperation is also important, because e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products can be imported from other countries and distributed through international networks.

Therefore, there needs to be close cooperation between Vietnam and international organizations in controlling the supply of these products.

To be effective, authorities need to apply strict and transparent inspection measures, with clear penalties for violations.

Agencies such as the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health and other functional forces need to have regular monitoring strategies to promptly detect violations, especially in retail establishments and online sales channels.

Another very important factor is the need for regular and surprise inspections of stores, retail outlets, and online trading areas.

Penalties need to be clarified and made public to create a strong deterrent. In addition, there needs to be widespread propaganda campaigns, especially through the media, to make people aware of the legal consequences of violating the ban.

In addition to sanctions, it is also important to establish an independent monitoring system. Social organizations, communities and the press can play a role in monitoring and reporting violations, helping to speed up the handling process.

The government also needs to coordinate with social organizations in detecting and reporting violations, thereby creating a comprehensive and effective monitoring network.

According to Mr. Nguyen Tuan Lam, an expert from the World Health Organization in Vietnam, Vietnam can learn from countries that have successfully implemented bans on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, such as countries in the European Union and some states in the United States.

One of the key factors in these countries' success is that they implemented bans accompanied by enhanced public health education campaigns and smoking cessation support programs.

These countries also have very strict controls on products imported illegally and distributed through informal channels.

Vietnam can learn from successful communication strategies in other countries. Campaigns should not only focus on banning but also encourage people to quit smoking voluntarily through success stories, support programs to quit smoking and raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco.

It is important to create a long-term, coordinated strategy between authorities and social organizations, not only stopping at enforcing the ban but also promoting action to change consumption habits in the community.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/nhung-viec-can-lam-sau-khi-lenh-cam-thuoc-la-the-he-moi-co-hieu-luc-d231731.html