In a bold move to combat addiction, the Laotian government is set to revise its drug prevention and control law, marking e-cigarettes as addictive substances. This decision, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency on November 30th, reflects the growing concern over the rise of e-cigarette use and its potential harm.
During a key session of the Lao National Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, Vilay Lakhamfong, brought to light the increasing issue of e-cigarettes. Despite their growing popularity, these devices have not been officially recognized under Laos’ prohibited substances list, a gap the government is eager to address.
The Ministry of Health in Laos, in an alarming report in October, stated that tobacco-related diseases were the leading cause of death in 2019, responsible for around 65% of total deaths. The report underlined the grim reality: tobacco use leads to hundreds of thousands of chronic illnesses annually and is linked to the deaths of about 6,700 people each year.
A concerning trend is the rising popularity of e-cigarettes among Laotian youth, signaling a potential health crisis. The Ministry of Health warns that if unchecked, e-cigarette use could trigger a widespread addiction problem, mirroring the dangers of traditional tobacco.
For further information and context on this developing story, consider exploring these authoritative sources:
- World Health Organization’s Report on Tobacco Control in Laos
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Information on E-cigarettes and Youth
- Johns Hopkins Medicine – 5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know
The Laotian government’s proposed legislative change is a proactive step towards addressing a looming public health challenge. By classifying e-cigarettes alongside other addictive substances, Laos aims to curb the rise of e-cigarette use and its associated health risks, particularly among its younger population.