(VOVworld) – Vietnam is one the countries with the highest rates of male smokers in the world and 40,000 people die of smoking-related diseases a year. To reduce the harmful effects of smoking on human health, the economy, society, and the environment, the National Assembly last year approved the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention, which will take effect from next month. The Government has also ratified the National Strategy on Tobacco Harm Prevention until 2020 to minimize the use of and control the supply of tobacco products in Vietnam. Nguyen Thi Xuyen, Deputy Minister of Health said: "Despite initial positive results, tobacco harm prevention in Vietnam still faces a number of difficulties. The ratio of male smokers remains high and attention to the problem and investment are modest."
The Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization in Vietnam have called on organizations and individuals to abide by regulations banning smoking in public areas, advertising and the sponsorship of tobacco products. 

Poster calling on smokers to stop their habit. Source: baodientu.chinhphu.vn