Vietnam is taking decisive action to protect public health by banning vaping (smoking electronic cigarettes) and heated tobacco products, which has been welcomed by global health leaders.
The National Assembly of Vietnam has approved a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes, including production, sale, import, storage, transport, and use, starting in 2025.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Vietnam's actions, writing on X (formerly Twitter), "Congratulations, Vietnam, for this courageous decision to protect your citizens, especially the young, from the harms of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products."
The ban comes amid growing global concern about the popularity of e-cigarettes and similar devices, which are often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Public health experts have warned that e-cigarettes could lead to nicotine addiction in new generations, particularly among teenagers.
Vietnam's decision aims to curb the rising use of alternative tobacco products among youth, underscoring the country's commitment to addressing tobacco-related health risks. Vietnam has a long history of implementing strict anti-smoking policies.
With this ban, Vietnam joins a growing list of countries taking proactive steps to regulate or prohibit the use of alternative tobacco products, signaling a firm stance on public health priorities.
