On 24 May 2023, the Government issued Decision No. 568/QD-TTg approving the national strategy for tobacco harm prevention by 2030 (“Strategy”). Specifically, the Strategy sets out the crucial points as follows.  

Objectives 

The Strategy targets to reduce the rates of tobacco use, and second-hand smoke, decrease diseases and deaths caused by tobacco products. In particular, the table below summarises key objectives.  

Tasks and Solutions 

To fulfil the aforesaid objectives, the Strategy outlines the following tasks and solutions: 

1. Advancing policies and laws on tobacco harm prevention and control. This includes, among other things, gradual tax increases on tobacco products to ensure retail prices align with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations; promulgation of new regulations to prevent electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, shisha, and other tobacco products; expansion of smoke-free areas; and incorporating the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control into domestic laws.  
2. Strengthening the leadership of Party committees and authorities at all levels and interdisciplinary coordination related to this issue 
3. Enhancing dissemination and education. 
4. Increasing inspection and handling of violations. 
5. Promoting scientific research and surveillance systems. 
6. Consolidating and enhancing the capacity of the tobacco harm prevention network. 
7. International cooperation. 

The Strategy also prescribes the roles and responsibilities of relevant ministries and local authorities providing a favourable groundwork for the implementation of the Strategy.