Vietnam joins 110 countries in taxing to raise unhealthy products’ prices
The press awards on non-communicable disease prevention, launched on April 28, received enthusiastic participation from journalists across various media outlets, with over 120 entries submitted.
Dr Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Hanoi (VNA) –🅺 The National Assembly on June 14 officially passed the revised Law on Special Consumption Tax, which, for the first time, imposes a levy on sugary beverages. With this policy, Vietnam joins approximately 110 countries that use taxation as a tool to increase prices of products harmful to health.
The move was welcomed by Dr Angela Pratt, Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Vietnam, who described it as a very encouraging outcome that will contribute to reducing health harms and medical costs caused by diseases linked with sugary drinks in the decades to come.
She made the remarks at a press awards ceremony honouring works in the realm of non-communicable disease prevention. The event took place on June 19, as part of activities to mark the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025).
In her speech, Dr Pratt noted that the tax would be particularly effective in changing consumption habits among children and adolescents, who are more price-sensitive and likely to reduce intake as prices rise. As such, the policy is expected to protect young people’s health and help build a healthier future generation.
WHO will continue to support the Vietnamese Government in achieving its priority health goals, the representative affirmed, elaborating that the organisation will advocate the effective enforcement of the ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, the strengthening of health warnings, as well as the promotion of smoke-free environments and cessation programmes. It will also push for further tax increases on other unhealthy products as part of broader efforts to protect public health.
She expressed WHO’s commitment to working closely with the media as a key partner in reaching the public and policymakers, providing clear and evidence-based messages on effective health solutions.
Dr Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam, presents the first prize to journalist Vu Thi Nam Phuong from the Dan tri e-newspaper. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The press awards on non-communicable disease prevention, launched on April 28, received enthusiastic participation from journalists across various media outlets, with over 120 entries submitted.
At the award ceremony, the organising committee presented one first prize to journalist Vu Thi Nam Phuong from the Dan tri newspaper, and two second prizes to journalists Duong Thi Ngan from the Tai chinh – Dau tu newspaper and Nguyen Hai Yen from Dai bieu Nhan dan. Three third prizes went to journalists Hoang Thi Bich from Nguoi dua tin, Pham Thi Hiep from Suc Khoe & Doi song, and Truong Thi Bich Ngoc from Nhan Dan.
In addition, several special awards were granted, including the impressive television programme award, impressive radio programme award, positive impact award, dedication award, and the “journalist for the community” award.
By highlighting issues of great public concern, media outlets have effectively conveyed the real harms of sweetened beverages, and made complex tax-related information more accessible to the general public. Their reporting has also helped ensure that policymakers are equipped with evidence-based insights to inform decision-making.
The press awards on communications about non-communicable diseases was jointly organised by WHO in Vietnam and HealthBridge Vietnam./.
According to Pratt in a recent interview, mounting evidence shows that regular consumption of sugary drinks significantly increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and certain types of cancer. This habit is closely linked to weight gain and obesity in both children and adults, key risk factors for many serious health conditions. For children, in particular, sugary beverages pose a clear threat to long-term health.
Consumption of sugary drinks in Vietnam has surged over the past 15 years. In 2023, the average Vietnamese consumer drank four times more sugary beverages than in 2009. On average, each person consumed nearly 70 litres per year, which is about 1.3 litres per week.
Several NA deputies advocated higher special consumption rates for sugary drinks while other pushed for a phase approach so that enterprises could adjust their production and business plans.
National Assembly (NA) deputies on November 22 morning discussed in groups the draft amended Law on Corporate Income Tax and the draft amended Law on Special Consumption Tax as part of the ongoing second phase of the 15th National Assembly’s 8th session.
A draft proposal to increase special consumption tax on alcoholic beverages may hurt the Vietnamese beverage industry's ability to compete on their home turf, putting the entire supply chain at risk, said industry insiders.
Vietnam now boasts a nationwide healthcare network with 1,665 hospitals, 384 of which are non-public, supported by local commune- and ward-level stations. At the end of 2024, hospital bed capacity reached 34 per 10,000 people, slightly above the global average.
The 56-year-old patient from Quang Tri province was discharged in stable condition as he no longer experienced shortness of breath and was able to walk, move around, and eat normally.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Vu Trung, Director of the Pasteur Institute, said that under the MoU, the two sides committed to promoting diverse and practical collaborative activities, including joint conferences and workshops, exchanges of scholars, researchers and students, sharing academic materials, and the development of specific programmes and projects in scientific research, training, and epidemic prevention.
TytoCare, a leading Israeli telemedicine company based in Netanya, is willing to work with Vietnamese regulators, insurers, and healthcare providers to develop a sustainable digital health ecosystem.
The partnership is under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding on the development and implementation of the National Action Plan on Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control, signed in Hanoi on July 22.
An estimated 7 million Vietnamese are currently living with diabetes, but about 50% remain undiagnosed, a dangerous gap that is fuelling serious, preventable complications and increasing the burden on the healthcare system.
In 2024, Vietnam achieved 99% coverage for the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine, up from 80% in 2023. Immunisation coverage in the country has not only rebounded to the high levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic but has now surpassed the rates recorded in 2019.
Health authorities in HCM City have issued an urgent alert after six people died from dengue fever, amid a spike in infections driven by the onset of the rainy season.
During the peak months of July and August 2025, the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT) needs at least 90,000 units of blood to supply 180 hospitals in the northern region. However, despite continuous efforts, the reserve blood is still short of 30,000 units.
The Hanoi ceremony highlighted efforts to ensure all citizens, especially women and youth, can access accurate information and healthcare services to make informed reproductive choices.
After such a long time, the law has revealed many limitations, prompting the Ministry of Health (MoH) to gather opinions to amend the law to give more chances to thousands of patients every year.
Currently, cardiovascular specialists from the 108 Military Central Hospital are working alongside a team of Prof.Dr. Jan D. Schmitto, Deputy Director of MHH’s Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery on clinical trials for MCS devices, implanted in heart failure patients either as a bridge to transplantation or as permanent treatment.
The centre not only serves residents living on the island, but also receives tens of thousands of visitors every year, according to Assoc Prof Dr Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the HCM CIty Department of Health.
Not only does Vietnam attract international tourists with its landscapes, culture, and cuisine, but it is also gradually becoming a reliable destination for medical treatment, offering high-quality services at reasonable costs.
Over the past six months, 150 communal health stations in provinces including Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Tay Ninh, Hau Giang, Ben Tre and Ca Mau have been equipped with information technology systems. In addition, 117 key provincial healthcare workers have received training, with thousands more expected to follow.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Ministry of Health swiftly launched a telemedicine programme, connecting more than 1,000 medical establishments nationwide. The model, which remains in operation, has benefited tens of thousands of patients, including foreign nationals.
After more than three weeks of intensive treatment, the patient's pneumonia improved, breathing stabilised, sedation was reduced, and the breathing tube was removed. He is now conscious, able to eat orally, and in recovery.
