BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: Vietnam faces significant challenges in controlling the spread of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs), especially among children and youth, due to aggressive marketing, tobacco industry-led misconceptions framing these products as “harm reduction,” widespread illicit trade and inadequate legislation. E-cigarette use among Vietnamese adolescents has risen alarmingly from 2.6% in 2019 to 8.1% in 2023.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: A multi-faceted strategic communication campaign was implemented to facilitate the passage of a ban on e-cigarettes and HTPs. Key activities included providing technical support to the Ministry of Health, consolidating data, integrating international best practices, and disseminating evidence to policymakers, particularly National Assembly (NA) members. To build a unified front, the campaign engaged diverse stakeholders, including ministries, the WHO, UN agencies, NGOs, social organizations, and youth groups. Grassroots efforts targeted youth, parents, and teachers, raising awareness of the dangers of e-cigarettes and HTPs. These were amplified through public forums, social media, and media outreach. The campaign also countered tobacco industry interference by monitoring and exposing tactics aimed at undermining the legislation and misinforming the public.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: Efforts to call for legislative action to control e-cigarettes and HTPs in Vietnam have gained significant momentum. The MOH’s proposal to ban these products received strong support from NA members, ministries, and the public, despite intensive opposition and interference from the industry. On November 30th, the NA passed a Resolution banning the manufacture, trade, import, storage, transportation, and use of e-cigarettes and HTPs, effective January 2025.
CONCLUSIONS: This experience highlights the importance of coordinated multi-sectoral efforts and social mobilization in advancing tobacco control policies. Strengthening international collaboration, enhancing public education, and building long-term stakeholder alliances are essential for addressing similar challenges in other countries.