Vietnam saw a surge in hospitalizations due to the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco in 2023, with more than 1,200 people being admitted for treatment. Among those hospitalized were a significant number of minors, including 27 children under 16 years old and 44 cases from the 16-18 age group. The data was shared by Mr. Luong Ngoc Khue, Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management, during an information session organized by the Ministry of Health.
An investigation conducted in 11 provinces and cities revealed an alarming rise in the use of e-cigarettes among young students. The percentage of e-cigarette use among 13-17 year olds surged from 2.6% in 2019 to 8.1% in 2023. Furthermore, the rate more than doubled among 13-15 year olds, increasing from 3.5% in 2022 to 8% in 2023. Female adolescents aged 11-18 also showed an increase in e-cigarette use to 4.3% in 2023.
Mr. Khue emphasized the health and economic burden associated with smoking traditional cigarettes and warned that new nicotine-based products could lead to addiction and more users over time. Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the Poison Control Center at Bach Mai Hospital, highlighted the dangers of new electronic and heated cigarettes that contain harmful chemicals and flavorings not found in regular cigarettes, making them potentially more addictive and harmful to users.
The Ministry of Health in Vietnam is taking a firm stand against new generation cigarettes and is advocating for a complete ban on the production, sales, import, and advertising of electronic cigarettes, heated cigarettes, and other emerging tobacco products. The Ministry is also looking into amending the Law on Tobacco Control to incorporate these regulations to address the rise of e-cigarette usage, particularly among young people.