(photo: CPV)

A seminar was held on May 9 in Hanoi to discuss the implementation of the law and strategy on the prevention and control of the harmful effects tobacco has on public servants and workers.

The event was jointly held by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL), the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The law on the prevention and control of smoking took effect on May 1, 2013, regulating measures aimed to reduce the demand for tobacco and control its supply. This is an important legal basis to protect people’s health.

As an organisation acting for the legal interest of workers, the VGCL has focused on popularising the harmful effects of smoking, thus raising their awareness of the law as well as preventing the damage smoking causes, ensuring workers’ rights to live and work in a smoking-free environment.

It has worked with relevant agencies to support people involved in cigarette manufacturing to change their business and issue documents guiding sectors and localities in the work.

According to WHO, Vietnam is one of 15 countries with the most smokers in the world. About half of all male adults (15 years old and above) in the country smoke.

Source: VNA