Strengthening inspection of tobacco harm prevention work

(Baonghean) - The Prime Minister issued Decision No. 229/QD-TTg dated January 25, 2013 approving the National Strategy on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control until 2020.

The specific objective of the Strategy is to strengthen communication in the mass media about the harmful effects of tobacco, in order to raise people's awareness of law compliance in implementing a smoke-free environment.

By 2020: Reduce the rate of smokers among young people (15-24 years old) from 26% to 15%; reduce the rate of male smokers from 47.4% to 35% and the rate among females to below 1.4%. Continue to maintain a smoke-free environment in medical facilities that have been implemented and gradually develop it in the remaining units so that by 2016, 100% of agencies will implement a smoke-free environment.

Building a smoke-free environment is a shared responsibility.

Perfecting policies and laws on tobacco harm prevention and control: Developing and promulgating documents directing and guiding the implementation of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control (PCTH).

Organize workshops to deploy and disseminate the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention to all officials, civil servants and public employees at agencies that develop regulations on implementing smoke-free environments. Develop documents and guidance materials on implementing smoke-free environments according to the provisions of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention.

Include smoking in prohibited areas in the competition criteria of agencies. Unit heads must not smoke in the premises of the agency to set an example for employees. Unit heads are encouraged to include the standard "no smoking in the premises of the agency" in the contract when signing labor contracts. On public transport, vehicle owners must regularly check and remind those who violate the "no smoking" rule.

Information, education and communication on tobacco harm prevention and control: Develop a comprehensive program and plan for information and communication on tobacco harm prevention and control and organize implementation to raise awareness and increase support from policy makers and the community on tobacco harm prevention and control.

Develop information and communication materials on the harmful effects of tobacco, the benefits of smoking cessation, smoke-free living environments, and policies and laws on tobacco control that are appropriate for target groups.

Strengthen the provision of information and communication on tobacco control to all audiences, focusing on policy makers, managers, youth, social workers, and media officers. Diversify the forms and channels of information and communication on tobacco control. Increase the duration and frequency of information and communication on tobacco control on mass media.

Promote the role of the tobacco control collaborator network in mobilizing people in the community to strictly implement the laws on tobacco control. Integrate communication work on tobacco control in self-management group meetings and regular meetings of grassroots organizations.

Add the criteria of not using tobacco to the movement of building a civilized lifestyle and a cultured family in the community. Develop educational materials on tobacco control suitable for all levels and grades; promote education on the harmful effects and tobacco control in schools. Develop counseling services for patients and their families on the harmful effects of tobacco and methods of smoking cessation at medical facilities.

Regarding organization and human resources: Establish a provincial Steering Committee for Tobacco Control Program, with the participation of departments, branches, sectors, unions and social organizations. Develop an annual action plan, assign specific responsibilities to members of the Steering Committee and organize periodic reviews and summaries to evaluate the implementation of tasks and plans.

Departments, branches, sectors, unions, socio-political organizations of the province, district, and city establish a Tobacco Control Steering Committee; assign staff to carry out communication work, inspect, and supervise the implementation of smoke-free environments at the unit. Develop an annual tobacco control plan, organize a preliminary review, summary, and evaluation of the implementation of tasks and plans.

Develop mechanisms and plans for inter-sectoral coordination, coordination between provinces and localities in inspection, examination and handling of violations of the law on tobacco control; regularly organize inter-sectoral inspections and examinations on tobacco control. Develop networks and improve capacity for officials participating in tobacco control activities from the province to districts and communes through training, seminars and other forms; have appropriate support policies and regimes to encourage the participation of social workers and community collaborators in tobacco control activities.

Organize capacity building training for specialized inspectors to regularly monitor and supervise the implementation of legal regulations on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco business organizations and individuals.

In addition, there are financial solutions, international cooperation, and environmental protection. Units that develop budget plans for the Tobacco Control Fund need to ensure priority activities over time to achieve the targets set by the province. Develop smoking cessation support services that are appropriate to the country's socio-economic conditions.

Thanh Son(Synthetic)