
According to a report by GMA on May 14th, Jos Vandelaer, the World Health Organization's representative in Thailand, delivered a speech at a conference attended by government officials, youth representatives, and public health advocates in Bangkok.
The meeting attracted government officials, youth representatives, and public health advocates from ASEAN countries, aiming to discuss how to protect children from interference by the tobacco industry. Participants discussed how the tobacco and nicotine industries continue to target children and adolescents with e-cigarette devices (ESD) in the form of toys, school supplies, and a variety of fruit-flavored candies.
According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of e-cigarettes among adolescents aged 13-15 in Asia is on the rise, often exceeding the rate of smoking. In 2022, the prevalence of e-cigarette use among boys in Malaysia was 23.5%, and 6.2% among girls. In Thailand, in 2022, 20.2% of boys and 15% of girls used e-cigarettes, while in the Philippines, in 2019, 20.9% of boys and 7.5% of girls used them.
Ulysses Dorotheo, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), stated, "The world allowing tobacco companies to manufacture and sell cigarettes is a mistake. Existing data clearly shows that we are heading towards another crisis with e-cigarettes, and governments have the opportunity to take decisive action by banning these products widely before they become widely used.
The event also invited speakers from Hong Kong and Australia to counter misinformation in the media about the spread of e-cigarette devices, as well as to reduce the appeal and accessibility of tobacco and recreational nicotine products, and to normalize the tobacco industry.
Philippine Assistant Secretary of Education Dexter Galban stated, "Every government has a responsibility to ensure that every citizen, especially young people, fully enjoy the right to a healthy life. We will provide our youth with enough opportunities and support to meaningfully engage with the government and key stakeholders to make them more resilient. We will help them see through the false information and misinformation spread by the tobacco industry. We are working towards a smoke-free generation, a world without e-cigarettes, and a healthier future.
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.