This project is a continuation of HealthBridge’s efforts to reduce tobacco use and contribute to the achievement of SDGs in Vietnam by strengthening the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Vietnam signed the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2004. The comprehensive Tobacco Control Law and a series of other sub-law documents have been developed to implement the FCTC in Vietnam.

The Tobacco Control Law passed by the National Assembly, which went into effect in May 2013, incorporates many of MPOWER’s strong policy recommendations:

• Pictorial health warnings (50% of both main surfaces of the tobacco pack);
• Smoke free policy implemented in all indoor work and public places;
• Enforcement of comprehensive ban on cigarette advertising and promotion;
• Excise tax raised from 55% of the ex-factory price (2007) to 75% (2019); and
• The creation of the Vietnam Tobacco Control Fund which makes resources available for implementation of tobacco control measures.

The project’s goal is to strengthen the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Vietnam by addressing the gaps in key tobacco control policies and their implementation.

• Strengthened implementation of smoke-free spaces by both increasing the number of smoke-free places and providing technical support for strengthening smoke-free policies in Vietnam.
• Stronger tobacco tax policies passed by generating evidence on tobacco tax and disseminating to policy makers, media and the public.
• Strong policy to control new tobacco products by documenting evidence, conducting campaigns to raise awareness among youth, policy makers, and the public about the harmful effect of new tobacco products, and expanding the advocacy network.
• Evidence supporting stronger pictorial health warnings generated and provided to relevant government agencies.
• Documented and enhanced knowledge about industry arguments/tactics and interference in policy development and implementation.