More than 6,000 individuals in Laos succumb to tobacco-related diseases every year, leading to economic losses surpassing 3.6 billion Lao kip, as per health officials. The National Committee for Tobacco Control, headed by Lao Health Minister Baykham Khattiya, disclosed this information during a recent meeting. The session focused on the progress made in implementing tobacco control measures.
Officials at the meeting highlighted persistent challenges, including the enforcement of the ban on electronic cigarettes, the emergence of new tobacco products, and legal obstacles hindering regulatory strengthening. Minister Baykham emphasized that the tobacco industry poses a significant threat to public health and national progress, contributing to non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular issues and chronic respiratory ailments.
Baykham stressed the necessity for more than just legislation, calling for enhanced enforcement and increased cross-sector collaboration to combat the adverse impacts of the tobacco industry. A recent workshop held on March 12, organized by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other entities, aimed to fortify public health policies against tobacco industry interference and bolster the enforcement of the country’s e-cigarette ban.
During the workshop, delegates engaged with key ministries to reinforce tobacco control actions, including Health, Finance, Industry and Commerce, and the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor of Lao PDR. The event brought together representatives from various ministries, WHO bodies, experts from different countries, and development partners to share insights and experiences in safeguarding public health policies from tobacco industry influence and enhancing the implementation of existing tobacco control measures, such as the national e-cigarette prohibition.
