Despite progress in tobacco control, Vietnam remains among the 15 countries with the highest prevalence of adult male smokers worldwide and ranks third in ASEAN, the ministry said.
Tobacco linked to disease and over 2 per cent of GDP losses
Citing the latest Global Burden of Disease Study referenced by the World Health Organization, the ministry said tobacco use kills more than 100,000 people each year in Vietnam. Of these, about 84,500 deaths are among active smokers, while a further 18,800 are linked to exposure to second hand smoke.
The WHO estimates that in 2024 the annual healthcare and economic costs caused by tobacco in Vietnam reached VND 108,700 billion (USD 4.26 billion), equivalent to 1.14 per cent of GDP. These losses include reduced labour productivity and premature deaths.
Environmental damage linked to tobacco consumption, including deforestation, plastic waste and marine pollution, is estimated at VND 99,000 billion (USD 3.88 billion) annually, or around 1.04 per cent of GDP.
Taken together, tobacco use costs Vietnam more than 2 per cent of GDP each year, placing a dual burden on the healthcare system and the environment, the ministry said.
Tobacco consumption also disproportionately affects low income households, worsening social inequality. Studies show that families with smokers spend a significant share of their income on tobacco, reducing their ability to pay for essential needs such as healthcare, education and nutrition.
More than 56 per cent of Vietnamese households have at least one smoker, according to the ministry.
Tougher tobacco controls proposed
In response, the Ministry of Health has proposed stricter regulations under a revised law, including a ban on the production, trade, storage, transit, transport, advertising, promotion and sponsorship of e cigarettes, heated tobacco products and other new tobacco products.
The draft law would also prohibit wholesalers and retailers from displaying tobacco products in any form. The ministry said allowing cigarette packs to be displayed is effectively a form of advertising that encourages consumption.
The proposal also seeks to expand the list of indoor public places with a complete smoking ban, with no designated smoking rooms, except for bars, karaoke venues and nightclubs.
In addition, the draft requires health warning images to cover at least 85 per cent of both the front and back of cigarette packs.
The ministry said these measures are intended to change public awareness and behaviour and help reduce tobacco use.
The revised Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval at its first session of the 16th legislature in April.
