Lao PDR enhances whole-of-government action to prevent tobacco industry interference and strengthen ENDS ban

The workshop brings together representatives from line ministries, the WHO FCTC Secretariat, the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, the WHO Headquarters, the WHO Lao PDR Country Office, WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub on Article 5.3, experts from Australia, Thailand and Cambodia, as well as development partners. It provides a valuable opportunity for Lao PDR to learn from regional and global experiences in safeguarding public health policies from tobacco industry influence and strengthening implementation of existing tobacco control measures, including the national ban on e-cigarettes. 

As a Party to the WHO FCTC, Lao PDR has committed to implementing comprehensive, evidence-based measures to reduce tobacco use and protect public health. This includes obligations under Article 5.3 of the Convention, which calls on governments to protect public health policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry.  

“Protecting our public health policies from tobacco industry interference is essential to safeguarding the health of our people, especially young people,” said Dr Mayfong Mayxay, the President of the University of Health Sciences. “Through this workshop and continued collaboration with WHO and partners, we reaffirm our commitment to fully implement the WHO FCTC and to strengthen enforcement of the e-cigarette ban in Lao PDR.” 

The workshop focused on raising awareness among senior officials about tobacco industry interference tactics observed in Lao PDR, the Region and globally and how to mitigate and prevent such tactics. Tobacco industry interference undermines the development and implementation of effective tobacco control policies. Delays in implementation increase pressure on the health system and contribute to avoidable health-care expenditures and productivity losses.

“The tobacco industry continues to deploy sophisticated strategies to influence policy and delay life-saving measures,” said Mr Andrew Black, acting Head of the WHO FCTC Secretariat. “Strengthening implementation of Article 5.3 across all government sectors is critical to ensure that public health policies are developed and implemented in the best interests of the population, free from industry interference.” 

The workshop also focused on strengthening e-cigarette ban in Lao PDR, as it is one of more than 40 countries globally to have banned e-cigarettes. The workshop highlighted existing gaps and challenges in enforcement and foster cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure that the ban is effectively implemented nationwide, drawing lessons from countries such as Australia, Thailand and Cambodia. 

“Banning e-cigarettes is an important step for Lao PDR to protect health and prevent another generation of nicotine addiction,” said Dr Timothy Armstrong, WHO Representative to Lao PDR. “While our vision is clear, the tobacco industry has weaponized delay tactics to stall plain packaging, keeping their brands on shelves and in the hands of our youth. These calculated setbacks, paired with their relentless lobbying for tax exemptions, are a direct assault on our life-saving progress. Strong enforcement and coordination among sectors, is essential to ensure that the law delivers its intended public health impact.” 

In addition to the workshop sessions, courtesy visits to line ministries underscored strong commitment from government partners and development partners to advance next steps in full compliance with the WHO FCTC and to reinforce enforcement of the e-cigarette ban. Through sustained collaboration and shared learning, Lao PDR continues to strengthen its efforts to reduce tobacco-related harm and protect the health of current and future generations.