Health Authorities Step Up Enforcement of E-Cigarette Laws, Guard Policies from Industry Influence

Vientiane capital: Health officials and international partners convened in Vientiane Capital to strengthen enforcement of e-cigarette legislation and safeguard tobacco control policies from industry interference. According to Lao News Agency, the meeting was organized by the Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion under the Ministry of Health and was held on February 18, 2026. Participants included Mayfong Mayxay, President of the University of Health Sciences; Timothy Armstrong of the World Health Organization; and Andrew Williams, Acting Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Representatives from regional and international partners also attended. The seminar aimed to raise awareness of tobacco industry interference tactics, reinforce implementation of Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC, and enhance cross-sector coordination to protect public health policies. Participants also discussed a forward roadmap to strengthen compliance and response mechanisms related to e-cigarette regulation . Organizers emphasized that effective implementation of legislation and coordinated action among relevant sectors are essential to safeguarding public health and advancing tobacco control efforts nationwide.