Governments urged to act 'decisively' vs e-cigarettes

BANGKOK, Thailand — Over 70 government officials, youth representatives, and public health advocates from ASEAN countries gathered here on Tuesday for a two-day event to discuss concrete actions to protect children from tobacco industry interference. 

Particularly, the attendees discussed how the tobacco and nicotine industry continues to target children and youth with electronic smoking devices (ESDs) marketed in the form of toys, school supplies, and confectionery with a variety of fruity flavors. 

“Digital media and digital marketing deceive youth and convince the audience that electronic smoking devices or e-cigarettes are more healthy,” said World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Thailand Dr. Jos Vandelaer.

In Asia, the rate of e-cigarette use among adolescents aged 13-15 years old is increasing, which is often higher than smoking, according to WHO's Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). 

The prevalence of e-cigarette use in Malaysia in 2022 was 23.5% for boys and 6.2%. In Thailand, 20.2% of boys and 15% of girls were using ESDs in 2022, and in the Philippines, there were 20.9% for boys and 7.5% for girls in 2019.  

According to the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), the tobacco industry tends to mislead users by claiming ESDs can help smokers quit cigarettes.

"The world made a mistake by allowing tobacco companies to make and sell cigarettes. Current data clearly shows that we are sleepwalking into another epidemic with e-cigarettes," said SEATCA executive director Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo.

"Governments have an opportunity to act decisively by banning these products before their use becomes more widespread."

SEATCA is a multi-sectoral non-government alliance promoting health and saving lives by assisting ASEAN countries in implementing tobacco control measures contained in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. 

The event also features resource speakers from Hong Kong and Australia to counter misinformation about electronic smoking devices (ESDs) spread on digital media, reducing the attractiveness and accessibility of tobacco and recreational nicotine products, and denormalizing the tobacco industry.

"Every government is mandated to ensure that every citizen, especially young people, fully enjoys their right to live healthy lives. We will give our youths ample opportunities & support to meaningfully engage with the government and key stakeholders to enable them to become more resilient. We shall help them see through the tobacco industry's misinformation and disinformation as we work towards a tobacco-free generation, a vape-free world, and a healthier future," said Philippine Education Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban. —KBK, GMA Integrated News