E-cigarette and tobacco control efforts by Lao PDR’s National Assembly recognized by WHO award

Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s world-leading legislation on tobacco and e-cigarette control – currently one of more than 30 countries globally with a total ban on e-cigarettes – has earned the National Assembly a global World No Tobacco Day award from the World Health Organization’s (WHO)’s headquarters in Geneva.

At an event today, the National Assembly’s Cultural and Social Committee President Mrs Thoummaly Vongphachanh was presented the award by WHO Representative Dr Ying-Ru Lo, alongside Vice Minister of Health HE Dr Snong Thongsna, Ministry of Health officials and other National Assembly members.

In recent years, Lao PDR has taken significant steps towards protecting its population from the lethal harms of tobacco and e-cigarettes. This includes regarding graphic health warnings, implementing smoke-free work and public places, and restrictions on tobacco advertising and promotion. More recently in 2021, amendments to the Tobacco Control Law banned the import, sale and use of electronic nicotine and non-nicotine products – including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and shisha.

President of the National Assembly’s Cultural and Social Committee, Mrs Thoummaly Vongphachanh, said: “We are committed to safeguarding health and saving lives. This evidence-based legislation was an important step, and we are proud that the Committee has been recognized for its efforts. This award reminds us how far we have come, and of the work ahead to further protect health, including ensuring these laws are rigorously enforced.”

Presenting the award, WHO Representative Dr Lo said: “The efforts Lao PDR is making are impressive and establishes it as a pioneer in the fight against needless loss of life, with strong commitment of the National Assembly and Ministry of Health leading the way. However, the country continues to lose more than 6700 lives a year from tobacco use – over 17 people die every day from diseases caused by tobacco use including cancer and heart disease.”

“This cost in lives, and cost to society, could be easily avoided with two key actions. First, addressing the lowest tobacco tax rates and second cheapest tobacco prices in ASEAN, and taking the necessary steps to increase taxes and prices – including removing any tax exemptions or benefits for tobacco companies. Second, ensuring people know the law, and that it is followed, particularly around banning the sale of e-cigarettes.”

Vice Minister of Health HE Dr Snong Thongsna said: “Our recent achievements in controlling nicotine and tobacco are a significant result of every sector working together. We call on all ministries and organizations to redouble their efforts to protect our communities and save lives, particularly from the harms of e-cigarettes – these products are still available online, target children and young people, ignore serious health consequences, and risk creating a new generation of nicotine addicts.”

World No Tobacco Day is marked globally on 31 May, providing an opportunity to highlight the deadly health risks of tobacco and celebrate the efforts of those working to combat them. The Ministry of Health, WHO and UNDP will host a public walk on Saturday 3 June from 06.00am around That Luang Lake in Vientiane.