WHO resident representative in Vietnam Jean-Marc Olive pointed out numerous ill-effects to human beings caused by smoking as reasons for WHO to launch the project in Hanoi.
In an interview with Hanoi Moi (New Hanoi) daily on June 5, he emphasised that previous technical measures such as zoning off smoking areas and installing ventilators have proved inefficient to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke.
The WHO representative called on municipal authorities to make strong political commitments and take stringent measures, including heavy fines on violators, with the involvement of police. These should go along with intensive media campaigns to stamp out this harmful habit both at home and in public places.
In the long term, every one who smokes would be responsible for following anti-smoke rules, he said.
The project’s success is of great significance for Hanoi to celebrate its millennium anniversary next year in a pure, smoke free environment, Olive commented.
The WHO country chief pledged strong technical assistance to Hanoi in implementing the project and wished Hanoians success.
Hanoi is a new comer to the world smoke-free club, which now has more than 10 members, including New Zealand, France, South Africa and Thailand.