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Laos: 6,000+ Die Annually From Tobacco
7 Apr
Summary
- Over 6,000 Laotians die yearly from tobacco-related illnesses.
- Economic losses from tobacco exceed 3.6 billion Lao kip.
- Health officials highlight challenges in enforcing e-cigarette bans.
In Laos, over 6,000 individuals lose their lives each year due to diseases linked to tobacco use. This public health crisis also inflicts substantial economic damage, with annual losses surpassing 3.6 billion Lao kip. These critical figures were shared during a recent meeting of the National Committee for Tobacco Control.
Health officials convened to assess the implementation of tobacco control strategies, identifying persistent obstacles. Key concerns include the enforcement of electronic cigarette bans, the proliferation of novel tobacco products, and legal hurdles that impede the strengthening of regulatory frameworks.
Minister of Health Baykham Khattiya underscored the tobacco industry's detrimental impact on public health and national progress. She noted its contribution to non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular and chronic respiratory illnesses. The Minister stressed that effective control requires more than legislation; it necessitates rigorous enforcement and robust collaboration across various sectors.
