Daijiworld Media Network - Vientiane

Vientiane, Apr 6: Health authorities in Laos have reported that more than 6,000 people die each year from tobacco-related diseases, leading to economic losses exceeding 3.6 billion Lao kip (around $1.6 million).

The figures were presented during a meeting of the National Committee for Tobacco Control, chaired by Health Minister Baykham Khattiya. The session reviewed progress in implementing tobacco control measures across the country.

Officials highlighted persistent challenges, including enforcing the ban on electronic cigarettes, the emergence of new tobacco products, and legal hurdles in strengthening regulations.

Speaking at the meeting, Khattiya warned that the tobacco industry continues to pose a serious threat to public health and national development, contributing significantly to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular and chronic respiratory conditions.

She stressed that legislation alone is insufficient and called for stricter enforcement along with stronger coordination among various sectors.

Earlier, on March 12, Ministry of Health Laos, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Secretariat, and the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance, organised a national workshop aimed at strengthening protections for public health policies from tobacco industry interference and improving enforcement of the country’s e-cigarette ban.

The initiative also included engagements with key government bodies such as the Ministries of Health, Finance, Industry and Commerce, and the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor.

The workshop brought together representatives from multiple sectors, including international experts and regional partners, providing Laos with an opportunity to learn from global best practices in safeguarding public health policies and reinforcing tobacco control measures.