Vietnamese youth respond to World No Tobacco Day
VOV.VN - The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of HCM city along with the Fund for the Prevention of Tobacco Harms under the Ministry of Health held a meeting in Hanoi on May 31 in response to World No Tobacco Day and the National No Tobacco Week from May 25-31.
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| Leaders along with 1,000 students from universities in Hanoi sign a commitment to not use tobacco (Photo: Quan Doi Nhan Dan Online) |
According to the Ministry of Health, Vietnam ranks among the world’s top 15 countries for the highest number of tobacco smokers. Smoking is particularly prevalent among men with some 45.35 per cent of adult males being smokers. In general, smoking as a habit tends to start at an early age.
Under the National Strategy on Tobacco Harm Prevention, the country aims to reduce smoking rates among young people at the age of 15 and 24 from 26 per cent in 2011 to 18 per cent in 2020.
Over the past 10 years, a host of practical activities were launched to promote an anti-smoking message among Ho Chi Minh youth union members across universities.
This has included delivering manuals highlighting the harm caused by smoking cigarettes and the increased risks of HIV/AIDs.
During the event, leaders along with 1,000 students from universities in Hanoi signed a commitment to not use tobacco and build a young generation that does not smoke.
Users can visit the website Vn0khoithuoc.com, and the facebook page to participate in contests and gain an insight into the harms of tobacco.
These activities are part of a wider communication campaign themed ‘Vietnamese youth say no to tobacco’ under the guidance of Vital Strategies, which is designed to promote the role of the next generation in activities to reduce tobacco use.
