Myanmar’s Comprehensive Ban on E-Cigarettes for Public Health

Continued From yesterday
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar issued Order 8/2026 on 18 February 2026 (3rd Waxing Day of Taboung, 1387 ME) to impose a comprehensive ban on electronic cigarettes. Exercising the authority conferred under Section 4 (a) of the Essential Supplies and Services Law, the Ministry enacted this notification in accordance with Section 9 of the said Act. The order strictly prohibits the importation, exportation, sale, possession, storage, distribution, and consumption of e-cigarettes, e-shisha, and related accessories to protect public health and prevent toxic substance addiction among young people.
The order 8/2026 now completes the architecture of Myanmar’s ENDS prohibition, adding a clear, enforceable import and export ban that gives customs officers unambiguous authority to seize prohibited products at borders and ports of entry.

Essential Contents of Myanmar’s Order 8/2026
The scope and technical precision of the order No. 8/2026 distinguish it from many earlier bans globally. Rather than a broad definitional prohibition susceptible to definitional loopholes, the Order enumerates in granular detail every product category and component part subject to the ban:
Category (a) — Electronic Cigarettes and ENDS: Mouthpieces; e-liquid containers (reservoirs, cartridges, tanks, pods); atomizers; microprocessors; batteries; chargers; charging cables; pre-filled and refillable e-liquids, including natural organic substitutes; carrying cases; cleaning tools; and all related accessories.
Category (b) — Heated Tobacco/Smoking Devices (HTPs): Holders containing heating elements and their casings; batteries; microprocessors; heating blades; heating coils; heating ovens; e-liquids and natural organic substitutes; carrying cases; cleaning tools; chargers; charging cables; and all related accessories.
Category (c) — Electronic Shisha: Mouthpieces; hoses; vases; grommets; e-liquid containers; pre- filled and refillable e-liquids, molasses, and natural organic substitutes; atomizers; microprocessors; flow sensors; batteries; chargers; charging cables; carrying cases; cleaning tools; and all related accessories.
The Order prohibits all listed items from: importation, exportation, transit, transhipment, re- exportation, storage, display, and sale — encompassing the full range of customs-related commercial activities at all border entry points throughout Myanmar.

Benefits for Myanmar’s Youth and General Public
Protecting Brain Development and Preventing Addiction
The most profound benefit of Myanmar’s e-cigarette ban is the protection it offers to the developing brains of adolescents and young adults. Nicotine is acutely neurotoxic during the critical period of brain development that extends into the mid-twenties. Nicotine exposure during adolescence permanently alters the architecture of the prefrontal cortex — the region governing decision-making, impulse control, and executive function — through its action on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Studies have demonstrated measurable reductions in attention, learning capacity, working memory, and impulse regulation among adolescent nicotine users. These are not temporary effects; they are permanent structural changes that disadvantage affected individuals throughout their lives.
By removing the primary supply channel of affordable, appealing nicotine products from the market, the ban directly reduces the probability that Myanmar’s young people will initiate nicotine use — and therefore protects the cognitive development and academic potential of the next generation of Myanmar’s citizens.

Preventing the Gateway to Conventional Smoking
The gateway effect of e-cigarettes is among the most robustly evidenced phenomena in tobacco research. Young people who use e-cigarettes are approximately three times more likely to transition to regular cigarette smoking than non-users. For Myanmar — already carrying a conventional tobacco burden that kills nearly 57,000 people annually — this pipeline effect would compound an existing crisis. The ban interrupts this pathway at the point of initiation, protecting Myanmar from a future in which the brief e- cigarette epidemic creates a new generation of long-term conventional smokers.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health Protection
The aerosol produced by e-cigarettes causes measurable respiratory and cardiovascular harm even in the short term. Ultrafine particles in the aerosol penetrate to the deepest airways, triggering inflammatory responses that, with repeated exposure, can lead to chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, including influenza and COVID-19. Nicotine’s acute cardiovascular effects — elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction — elevate cardiovascular risk with every puff. The removal of these products from Myanmar’s market will prevent a cohort of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases that would otherwise have materialized in the coming decades.

Economic and Social Benefits
The economic burden of tobacco-related disease on Myanmar’s healthcare system and economy is already substantial. Every person who never initiates nicotine use through e-cigarettes represents savings in future healthcare expenditure, preserved workforce productivity, and reduced family suffering. For a health system with limited resources, prevention through supply restriction is among the most cost- effective public health interventions available. The social benefits of denormalizing vaping — reversing the re-glamorization of nicotine use that the industry engineered — are equally significant, as social norms powerfully shape youth behaviour.

Making the Ban Effective: What Must Follow
The issuance of Order 8/2026 is a necessary but not sufficient condition for effective e-cigarette prohibition. The experiences of Thailand, Singapore, and India — countries that have operated comprehensive bans for a decade or more — provide clear lessons on what transforms a policy declaration into an on-the-ground reality.

Comprehensive Legislation
The order governs border entry and exit but does not explicitly address domestic manufacture, internal trade, possession, or use. Myanmar needs dedicated ENDS legislation — ideally as an amendment to the existing Control of Smoking and Consumption of Tobacco Products Law — that covers the complete product lifecycle within the country. This legislation should specify criminal penalties, establish clear enforcement responsibilities across multiple agencies (customs, police, health inspectors, local authorities), and include provisions for asset forfeiture in large-scale trafficking cases.

Enforcement Capacity Building
Myanmar’s borders — particularly informal crossing points with China, Thailand, and India — represent the most vulnerable points for contraband vaping product entry. Investment in customs officer training, detection equipment, and intelligence-sharing arrangements with neighbouring countries’ enforcement agencies is essential. The Ministry of Commerce and the Customs Department should establish dedicated ENDS enforcement units with clear key performance indicators. Market surveillance in urban retail and online environments must be systematic, not reactive.

Online Platform Regulation
The primary marketplace for e-cigarettes in Myanmar is not the physical shop but Facebook, TikTok, Telegram, and other social media platforms. A ban that does not address online sales and promotion will be substantially undermined. Regulatory authority must be extended to require platform operators to remove ENDS listings and advertising, with penalties for non-compliance. This requires both legal authority and the technical capacity to monitor and enforce.

Public Education and Demand Reduction
Supply restriction through border control addresses availability but not demand. A comprehensive public health communication campaign — designed specifically for adolescents and young adults, delivered through the channels they actually use, and employing messages that resonate with youth values of autonomy, authenticity, and peer respect — is essential to reduce demand. The campaign should specifically counter the industry’s marketing narratives: that vaping is harmless, that it is a lifestyle choice rather than an addiction, and that it is socially desirable. Schools, universities, monasteries, community health workers, and healthcare providers all have roles to play in this communication effort.

Cessation Support for Existing Users
An unknown but significant number of Myanmar residents are already nicotine-dependent through e- cigarette use. A ban without parallel investment in cessation services will either drive these individuals towards conventional cigarettes or towards the contraband market — outcomes that undermine the public health rationale for the ban. Evidence-based cessation support — nicotine replacement therapy, brief behavioural counselling, and telephone quitlines — must be made accessible through the existing township health system.

Monitoring and Accountability
The effectiveness of the ban must be measured, not assumed. A national surveillance system — building on the existing STEPS and Global Youth Tobacco Survey frameworks — should be established to track ENDS prevalence annually among youth and adults, monitor contraband market activity, and evaluate the impact of enforcement and education interventions. This evidence base will be essential for adaptive management and for reporting to the WHO FCTC Secretariat.

Conclusion
Myanmar’s Order 8/2026 is a landmark public health measure — a decisive, comprehensive, and technically thorough prohibition on the importation, exportation, and trade in all forms of electronic smoking devices and their components. It places Myanmar firmly alongside India, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, and Laos in the most protective tier of global e-cigarette regulation, fulfilling Myanmar’s obligations under the WHO FCTC and acting on the urgent call of COP11.
The order arrives after years in which Myanmar’s young people were exposed to an unregulated flood of nicotine products, and after a period in which Myanmar’s robust achievements on conventional tobacco control — its globally-ranked pictorial health warning requirements and its progression towards plain packaging — were undermined by the absence of ENDS-specific measures. The ban corrects this inconsistency and restores the integrity of Myanmar’s comprehensive tobacco control framework.
But as this article has argued, the order is the beginning of a journey, not its destination. Thailand, Singapore, and India demonstrate that comprehensive bans are most effective when supported by strong domestic legislation, well-resourced enforcement, targeted public education, and accessible cessation services. Myanmar now has the policy declaration. The measure of success will be whether the institutions, resources, and political will are marshalled to make that declaration real.
E-cigarettes are not an escape from nicotine addiction. They are its newest and most seductive gateway. Myanmar has taken the right step in closing that gateway. Let us ensure the door remains firmly shut — for the health, the futures, and the freedom of Myanmar’s next generation.
The author is a public health specialist and WHO Guest Adviser who attended the WHO FCTC COP11 Conference in Geneva, November 2025.

References
1. World Health Organization. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) — Report of the Conference of the Parties, Eleventh Session (COP11). Geneva: WHO; November 2025. Available at: https://fctc.who.int/
2. World Health Organization. The global prevalence of e-cigarettes in youth: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Geneva: WHO; 2025.
3. Myint HS, Hlaing SH, Htay N. Prevalence of e-cigarette use among tobacco smokers in six states and regions of Myanmar. Myanmar Health Sciences Research Journal. 2020.
4. Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2016 Data. Prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among youth in Myanmar. Atlanta: CDC/WHO; 2016.
5. Singapore Ministry of Health. FAQs on E-Cigarettes, Vapourizers and Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products. Singapore: MOH; 2018.
6. Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Ministry of Health, Order 8/2026: Nay Pyi Taw: 18February 2026.
7. The author. E-Cigarette Danger: A Growing Global and National Burden. Global New Light of Myanmar. Yangon: GNLM; 20 December 2025.

gnlm

What Is an E-Cigarette?
Electronic cigarettes — commonly known as e-cigarettes, vapes, vapourizers, or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) — are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid solution to produce an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. Unlike conventional cigarettes, which generate smoke through the combustion of tobacco leaf, e-cigarettes operate through an electrical heating mechanism that vapourizes a chemical liquid, commonly called e-liquid or e-juice. This fundamental distinction — vapourization rather than combustion — was the cornerstone of the industry’s early marketing claim that e-cigarettes are ‘safer’ than traditional smoking. That claim, as the global scientific community has firmly established, is dangerously misleading.
E-cigarettes come in numerous forms: cigarlike devices that resemble conventional cigarettes, pen-style vapourizers, tank-based mods, and the increasingly ubiquitous pod systems and disposable single-use devices. Heated tobacco products (HTPs) such as IQOS, and electronic shisha or e-hookah devices fall within the broader category of emerging tobacco and nicotine products regulated under international frameworks.

Core Components
All e-cigarette devices share three essential components: a battery providing the power source; an atomizer (heating coil) that converts e-liquid to aerosol; and the e-liquid reservoir — a cartridge, tank, pod, or bottle containing the consumable solution. The e-liquid itself contains a mixture of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin as the base carrier, nicotine in concentrations ranging from zero to over 50 milligrammes per millilitre in some products, flavouring agents — which may number in the thousands across products — and additional chemical additives.
Crucially, the e-liquid and the aerosol it generates are not inert. Heating these compounds produces new chemical species not present in the original liquid. At high temperatures, propylene glycol and glycerin decompose to form formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein — substances classified as known or probable human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The flavouring compound diacetyl, widely used in buttery and creamy flavour variants, is firmly linked to bronchiolitis obliterans — a severe, irreversible obliterative lung disease colloquially known as ‘popcorn lung.’ Heavy metals, including nickel, tin, and lead, have been detected in e-cigarette aerosols, leached from heating coil components.

Global and Myanmar Prevalence
The Global Vaping Epidemic
The global growth of e-cigarette use has been extraordinary in both scale and speed. From a niche consumer product a decade ago, the global e-cigarette market had attracted an estimated 82 million users by 2021, up from 68 million in 2020 — a 20.6 per cent increase in a single year. The South-East Asia region alone accounted for approximately 14.3 million users in 2021. Market analysts project the global ENDS industry to exceed US$55 billion in annual revenue by 2030, driven by aggressive expansion into low- and middle-income markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The demographic profile of e-cigarette uptake is perhaps its most alarming feature. According to the World Health Organization’s 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis on global youth e-cigarette prevalence, at least 15 million children aged 13 to 15 years currently use e-cigarettes worldwide. Children are, on average, nine times more likely to use e-cigarettes than adults in surveyed countries. Among youth aged 16 to 19 years, current usage rates range from 7.7 to 9.4 per cent across countries — figures that represent an unprecedented epidemic of nicotine addiction initiation among a generation that had never smoked conventional cigarettes.
The tobacco industry’s strategy is explicit in its internal documents: recruit a new generation of nicotine- dependent consumers to replace adults who quit or die from smoking-related diseases. The instrument of this recruitment is the e-cigarette — packaged in child-friendly designs, available in thousands of sweet and fruity flavours, priced at pocket money levels in disposable form, and promoted through social media platforms where young people spend the majority of their leisure time.

Myanmar’s Burden
In Myanmar, e-cigarette use has expanded rapidly against an already concerning backdrop of conventional tobacco use. National STEPS survey data recorded an adult smoking prevalence of approximately 26 per cent, and an estimated 56,841 people die annually in Myanmar from smoking- related diseases — a figure that will grow as the downstream health consequences of the emerging vaping epidemic materialize.
A 2020 study of tobacco smokers across six states and regions of Myanmar found that 11.6 per cent of respondents reported ever having used an e-cigarette. Use was significantly concentrated among males, students, youth aged 18 to 29 years, and residents of Mandalay Region — the demographic groups most targeted by the industry’s marketing. Data from the 2016 Global Youth Tobacco Survey showed that smoking prevalence among students aged 13 to 15 in Myanmar had already risen from 6.8 per cent in 2011 to 8.3 per cent in 2016, before the explosive growth of affordable disposable vapes in subsequent years.

WHO FCTC: The International Call for Action
The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), which entered into force in 2005 and to which Myanmar acceded in 2004, remains the world’s first international public health treaty and the cornerstone of global tobacco control. It’s 182 Parties collectively represent over 90 per cent of the world’s population, making it one of the most widely adopted treaties in United Nations history.
The 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO FCTC, held in Geneva, Switzerland from 16 to 22 November 2025, placed ENDS and emerging nicotine products at the centre of its deliberations. I attended COP11 as a WHO Guest Advisor. The consensus of COP11 was unambiguous: e-cigarettes represent a dangerous gateway that leads young people towards conventional cigarette use through nicotine addiction, and the protection of youth must be the paramount priority for all Member States.

Key COP11 Resolutions and Positions
• All Member States resolved to prioritize protective measures for youth against e-cigarettes and to establish strict regulations, treating the issue as an urgent public health emergency rather than a commercial regulatory matter.
• The Conference reaffirmed that e-cigarettes are not an approved smoking cessation therapy — the WHO does not recommend ENDS for cessation — and that framing them as harm reduction tools plays into the tobacco industry’s strategy of delay and deception.
• Member States were called upon to implement the full range of FCTC provisions — particularly Articles 5.3 (protection from industry interference), 8 (protection from secondhand exposure), 11 (packaging and labelling), and 13 (advertising, promotion and sponsorship bans) — as applied to ENDS products.

• Countries that had not yet enacted ENDS-specific legislation were urged to do so without delay, citing the accelerating youth epidemic and the industry’s deliberate targeting of unregulated markets.
• The Conference strongly emphasized that the tobacco and vaping industries must be excluded from all policy-making processes relating to tobacco and ENDS control, in line with Article 5.3.
The FCTC framework provides Myanmar — and all Parties — with both the legal mandate and the technical guidance to act decisively. Myanmar’s Customs Order 8/2026 is a direct response to these international obligations and the conclusions of COP11.

Global Situation: How the World Has Responded
The international policy landscape on e-cigarettes is now clearly bifurcating into two camps: countries that have enacted comprehensive bans or severe restrictions, and those that have opted for regulatory frameworks. The trend among public health leaders — particularly in Asia — is decisively towards prohibition.

Comprehensive Prohibition Countries
More than 35 countries have enacted comprehensive bans on the sale, importation, and/or use of e- cigarettes. India’s 2019 Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Ordinance — subsequently enacted as permanent legislation — banned production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of all ENDS products, with penalties of up to 3 years imprisonment for repeat offences. Brazil’s ANVISA has maintained a ban since 2009, one of the earliest in the world. Thailand’s ban, enacted under the Customs Act in 2014, carries penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment. Singapore’s prohibition under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act has been comprehensively enforced since 2016. Cambodia and Laos both prohibit ENDS, meaning every one of Myanmar’s neighbouring countries to the east and south had acted years before Myanmar’s 2026 order.

Strict Regulatory Frameworks
The European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and its 2024 revisions represent the most detailed regulatory framework for ENDS globally, limiting nicotine concentrations to 20 milligrammes per millilitre, restricting tank volumes, mandating health warnings covering 30 per cent of packaging, and prohibiting characterizing flavors in many member states. The United Kingdom, following its post-Brexit regulatory divergence, has adopted a ‘regulated authorization’ approach while pursuing stricter youth protection measures, including a generational tobacco ban. Australia, after a period of prescription-only access, moved in 2024 toward a phased ban on commercial disposable vapes.

The Industry’s Preferred Markets
Indonesia, the Philippines, and several Central Asian and African nations remain as relatively permissive markets where the tobacco industry has concentrated its promotional efforts. This deliberate targeting of unregulated markets is a well-documented industry strategy: when one market restricts access, the industry redirects resources toward the next available jurisdiction. Myanmar’s 2026 ban removes the country from this category.

gnlm

Cancer of the Body: Malignancy Without Contagion
Cancer of the body evokes profound fear because it has structure, location, and measurable progression. It arises when cells lose their regulatory discipline and begin to multiply for their own survival rather than for the organism they belong to. Yet despite its destructive potential, cancer possesses one important limitation: it is not contagious. It does not spread through proximity, touch, or communication. It originates from within the individual’s own biological system, representing a failure of internal regulation rather than invasion by an external agent. Its threat is intimate, but not transmissible.

Cancer of the Mind: Malignancy of Thought
The mind can develop an analogous form of malignancy, not in tissue but in patterns. Certain thoughts – fear, despair, self-negation – may initially serve adaptive purposes but later become self-perpetuating. Fear that protects becomes anxiety that imprisons. Reflection that enlightens becomes rumination that paralyzes. These cognitive patterns, like malignant cells, escape normal regulatory mechanisms. They replicate automatically, shaping perception and narrowing psychological flexibility. In conditions such as depression or trauma, these patterns operate with a form of autonomy, sustaining themselves even in the absence of immediate threat.

Psychological Contagion: Transmission Without Pathogens
Unlike cancer of the body, cancer of the mind exists within a social and communicative environment. Human beings are inherently receptive to one another’s emotional and cognitive states. Through emotional contagion, observational learning, and shared narratives, maladaptive mental states can propagate across individuals. Neuroscientific research demonstrates that mirror neuron systems and empathic processes allow one person’s despair, fear, or cynicism to influence another’s neural and emotional equilibrium. In this sense, psychological malignancy becomes transmissible – not through cells, but through ideas, symbols, and repeated exposure.

Collective Mind: When Malignancy Becomes Cultural
When such patterns spread widely, they may become embedded in collective consciousness. Traumatized communities often internalize persistent narratives of helplessness or threat. These narratives replicate across generations, shaping expectations and behaviour independently of present reality. The pathology is no longer confined to individual psychology but becomes systemic, sustained by social reinforcement. What begins as an internal dysregulation can evolve into a shared psychological environment.

Awareness as Regulation and Remedy
The mind, however, possesses a unique protective capacity: awareness itself. To observe a thought is to interrupt its automatic authority. Neuroplasticity allows new cognitive and emotional pathways to emerge through reflection, connection, and meaning. Just as maladaptive states can spread, so can resilience, hope, and stability. Psychological health is therefore not static but dynamic, continuously shaped by both internal regulation and external influence.

Conclusion: The Ecology of Mental Health
Cancer of the body threatens the organism but remains biologically contained. Cancer of the mind, while originating internally, exists within a network of minds and meanings. It can propagate through unexamined beliefs and shared despair, but it can also be contained through awareness and understanding. This dual reality reminds us that mental health is not merely an individual condition but an ecological one, sustained by the quality of both inner regulation and collective consciousness.

gnlm

In today’s fast-paced world, the human mind is constantly exposed to information, stress, and distractions. Maintaining mental clarity and emotional balance has become increasingly important. One simple yet powerful habit that supports mental well-being is reading articles. Whether they are related to health, education, culture, or everyday life, reading articles regularly is an effective mental exercise that strengthens the mind, improves thinking ability, and enhances overall quality of life.
Reading articles is good for the mind because it gives your brain a regular workout, kind of like a mental gym session. The following are the reasons why it helps so much:
 Improves focus and attention: When you read an article, you’re training your brain to concentrate on one thing at a time. Over time, this strengthens attention span, which is especially helpful in a world full of notifications and distractions.
 Expands knowledge and perspective: Articles expose you to new ideas, cultures, research, and viewpoints. This broadens how you think about the world and helps you see issues from multiple angles instead of just your own.
 Strengthens critical thinking: Reading encourages you to analyze arguments, question assumptions, and evaluate evidence. Your brain practices sorting what makes sense from what doesn’t, which is a powerful everyday skill.
 Boosts vocabulary and language skills: The more you read, the more words and sentence structures you naturally absorb. This improves writing, speaking, and even how clearly you think.
 Reduces stress and mental fatigue: Getting absorbed in an article can calm the mind and provide a healthy mental break. It shifts your focus away from worries and helps you reset.
 Supports memory and brain health: Following ideas, facts, and narratives strengthens memory pathways. Regular reading is linked to better long-term cognitive health.
 Encourages curiosity and lifelong learning: Reading sparks questions and motivates you to keep learning. That curiosity keeps the mind active, flexible, and engaged over time.
First, reading articles plays a vital role in expanding knowledge and understanding. Each article introduces new ideas, facts, and perspectives. This continuous exposure to information stimulates the brain and keeps it active. When the mind learns something new, neural connections are strengthened, helping the brain remain flexible and alert. Over time, this habit improves general intelligence and intellectual curiosity, encouraging lifelong learning.
Second, reading articles significantly improves concentration and memory. In a digital age, reading articles trains the mind to concentrate for longer periods. At the same time, remembering key points, arguments, or examples enhances short-term and long-term memory. This mental training is especially beneficial for students, professionals, and older adults alike.
Another important benefit of reading articles is the development of critical thinking skills. Many articles present problems, explanations, or different viewpoints. Readers are encouraged to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and form their own opinions. This process strengthens logical reasoning and decision-making abilities. As a result, people who read regularly tend to think more clearly and respond to daily challenges more effectively.
Reading articles also supports emotional and psychological well-being. Engaging with meaningful content can reduce stress by shifting attention away from worries and mental fatigue. Informative and inspirational articles, especially those related to health or personal growth, can provide reassurance, motivation, and emotional comfort. This calming effect helps maintain mental balance and resilience in stressful situations.
Furthermore, reading articles improves language and communication skills. Regular exposure to well-written content enriches vocabulary, enhances comprehension, and improves writing and speaking abilities. Clear communication is closely linked to clear thinking, and both are essential for personal and professional success.
In addition, reading articles promotes mental independence and awareness. It helps individuals stay informed about social, scientific, and health-related issues, enabling them to make better decisions in daily life. A well-informed mind is less vulnerable to misinformation and more capable of thoughtful judgement.
Moreover, reading articles is highly beneficial for the mind. It strengthens memory, sharpens concentration, enhances critical thinking, reduces stress, and supports emotional well-being. As a simple, affordable, and accessible mental exercise, reading articles should be encouraged as a daily habit for people of all ages. By dedicating even a short time each day to reading, individuals can encourage a healthy, active, and resilient mind.

gnlm

Introduction
World Cancer Day is observed every year on 4 February to raise global awareness about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. The theme for 2025-2027 is “United by Unique”, which recognizes that everyone’s cancer experience is different, but we are all connected in the fight against cancer.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer caused approximately 10 million deaths in 2020. The good news is that many cancers can be prevented, and others can be successfully treated if detected early.
In Myanmar, cancer is a growing health problem affecting thousands of families each year. By understanding cancer better and taking preventive measures, we can reduce the burden of this disease in our communities. This article explains the cancer situation in Myanmar and what we can do to prevent it.

Common Cancer Types
Cancer is not just one disease – there are over 100 different types. The most common cancers worldwide include breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, and cervical cancer. Different cancers affect different parts of the body and have different causes and treatments.
Some cancers are linked to infections (like liver cancer from hepatitis B and cervical cancer from HPV), some are caused by tobacco use (like lung cancer), and others are related to lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. Understanding these causes helps us prevent cancer.

The Global Cancer Situation
Worldwide, there were about 19.3 million new cancer cases in 2020. This number is expected to increase to 28.4 million cases by 2040 due to ageing populations and lifestyle changes. More than half of all cancer cases and deaths occur in developing countries like Myanmar.
The good news is that progress is being made. Many countries have successfully reduced cancer deaths through prevention programmes (like tobacco control), vaccination (against hepatitis B and HPV), screening programmes (for cervical and breast cancer), and improved treatments. However, making these advances available to everyone remains a challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Cancer in Myanmar
According to 2020 data, there were approximately 76,690 new cancer cases and 54,285 cancer deaths in Myanmar. The four most common cancers in Myanmar are:
1. Lung Cancer: This is the most common cancer in Myanmar, mainly caused by smoking and tobacco use. Myanmar has one of the highest smoking rates in Southeast Asia – about 44 per cent of men smoke. Most lung cancer patients are diagnosed late, when treatment is difficult. The best prevention is to avoid all tobacco products and stay away from secondhand smoke.
2. Liver Cancer: The main cause of liver cancer in Myanmar is hepatitis B virus infection, which affects 6-10 per cent of our population. Other causes include hepatitis C, alcohol, and contaminated food (aflatoxin in mouldy grains). Prevention includes hepatitis B vaccination (now included in the national immunization programme), avoiding alcohol abuse, and proper food storage to prevent mould.
3. Breast Cancer: This is the most common cancer among Myanmar women. Many women are diagnosed late because they don’t know the warning signs or are afraid to seek medical care. Early detection through self-examination and regular check-ups greatly improves survival chances. Women should be aware of any breast lumps or changes and seek medical advice immediately.
4. Cervical Cancer: This cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The good news is that cervical cancer can be prevented through HPV vaccination and screening. Myanmar has started HPV vaccination programmes in some areas. Women should undergo screening tests starting from age 30. When detected early through screening, cervical cancer can be prevented or cured.

Main Cancer Risk Factors
Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding known risk factors. The most important risk factors in Myanmar are:
Tobacco use is the single biggest cause of preventable cancer, responsible for about 25 per cent of all cancer deaths. This includes cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and betel quid (Kunya).
Infections such as hepatitis B and C (causing liver cancer) and HPV (causing cervical cancer) are major causes in Myanmar. These can be prevented through vaccination and safe practices.
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver, mouth, throat, and other cancers. The risk increases with the amount consumed.
An unhealthy diet and obesity raise cancer risk. Eating too much processed meat and red meat, too few vegetables and fruits, and consuming contaminated food (mouldy grains) all contribute to cancer risk.
Physical inactivity increases the risk of several cancers. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces cancer risk.
Other factors include excessive sun exposure (skin cancer), workplace exposures to harmful chemicals, and pollution. While we cannot change factors like age and family history, we can control many of these risk factors through our choices and behaviours.

Cancer Control in Myanmar and Global Action
World Cancer Day 2026 Theme: The 2025-2027 campaign “United by Unique” reminds us that while everyone’s cancer journey is different, we share a common goal: to reduce cancer’s impact on individuals, families, and communities. This theme calls for unity in action while respecting each person’s unique experience with cancer.
Myanmar has developed a National Cancer Control Programme working with WHO guidance to address cancer through prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care. Key initiatives include:
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has provided hepatitis B vaccination to all infants since 2002, which will prevent liver cancer in future generations. HPV vaccination for girls has started in selected areas to prevent cervical cancer.
Tobacco control measures following WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control include smoke-free public places, health warnings on tobacco products, and restrictions on tobacco advertising. However, stronger enforcement is needed.
Cancer treatment centres operate in Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw General Hospitals, providing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. However, these facilities face challenges with equipment, staff shortages, and overwhelming patient numbers.
Cervical cancer screening using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) has been introduced in some areas, allowing early detection and treatment of precancerous conditions.
The Myanmar Cancer Registry collects data to help plan cancer control programmes and monitor progress.
WHO’s call for action includes implementing comprehensive tobacco control (the single most important cancer prevention measure), providing vaccination against cancer-causing infections (hepatitis B and HPV), establishing screening programmes for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer, ensuring access to early diagnosis and treatment, making essential cancer medicines available and affordable, and integrating palliative care to relieve suffering.
World Cancer Day 2026 reminds governments, health systems, and communities to take concrete steps toward these goals. Myanmar’s National Cancer Control Strategic Plan aligns with WHO recommendations, but full implementation requires sustained commitment, adequate funding, trained health workers, and support from all sectors of society.
Everyone has a role to play – from government officials implementing policies to health workers providing care to individuals making healthy choices. Together, we can reduce cancer’s burden on Myanmar.

How to Prevent Cancer: 15 Important Actions
While not all cancers can be prevented, you can significantly reduce your risk by following these evidence-based recommendations:
1. Don’t use tobacco in any form: Avoid cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and betel quid. If you currently use tobacco, quit immediately. Avoid secondhand smoke by staying away from smoky environments. Quitting tobacco at any age reduces your cancer risk.
2. Get vaccinated: Ensure children receive the hepatitis B vaccine according to the national schedule (given at birth and during infancy). Girls should receive the HPV vaccine when available (typically ages 9-14). These vaccines prevent liver cancer and cervical cancer, respectively.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of several cancers. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive meat consumption. The traditional Myanmar diet of rice, vegetables, and fish is healthy.
4. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. This can include walking, farming work, cycling, or traditional sports. Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces cancer risk.
5. Limit or avoid alcohol: Alcohol increases the risk of several cancers. If you drink, do so in moderation or not at all. There is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption regarding cancer risk.
6. Protect yourself from the sun: If you work outdoors, protect your skin by wearing a hat, long sleeves, and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM). This is especially important for farmers, construction workers, and fishermen.
7. Store food properly: Keep grains, peanuts, and other foods in dry, cool places to prevent mould growth. Discard mouldy or discoloured food. Aflatoxin from mouldy food increases liver cancer risk.
8. Get screened for cancer: Women should undergo cervical cancer screening (VIA test) starting at age 30. Women over 40 should have regular breast examinations. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for other screening tests based on your age and risk factors.
9. Know your body and watch for changes: Women should check their breasts monthly for lumps or changes. Everyone should be alert for unusual bleeding, persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or lumps anywhere on the body. See a doctor promptly if you notice these signs.
10. Practice safe behaviours: Use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HPV and HIV. Avoid sharing needles or other sharp instruments. Choose licensed facilities for tattoos, piercings, or medical procedures.
11. Breastfeed if possible: Breastfeeding reduces breast cancer risk in mothers and provides the best nutrition for babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months.
12. Be aware of workplace hazards: If your job involves exposure to chemicals, dust, or other harmful substances, follow safety procedures, use protective equipment, and ensure good ventilation. This includes agricultural workers using pesticides.
13. Don’t delay seeking medical care: If you have persistent or unusual symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Many people delay care due to fear or cost concerns, but early detection saves lives and often costs less than treating advanced cancer.
14. Don’t rely only on traditional medicine for suspected cancer: While traditional medicine has its place, cancer needs modern medical evaluation and treatment. Delays in seeking appropriate care allow cancer to progress to advanced stages when it’s harder to treat.
15. Learn accurate cancer information: Get information from reliable sources like health professionals and official health agencies. Don’t believe myths such as cancer being contagious or always fatal. Accurate knowledge helps you make good decisions about prevention and care.
Conclusion
World Cancer Day 2026 reminds us that we are “United by Unique” in the fight against cancer. While each person’s cancer experience may be different, we all share the goal of preventing cancer, detecting it early, and supporting those affected.
Cancer is a serious health challenge in Myanmar, but it is not a hopeless one. Many cancers can be prevented through simple actions like avoiding tobacco, getting vaccinated, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful substances. Other cancers can be detected early through screening and awareness of warning signs, making them easier to treat successfully.
The Myanmar government, working with WHO and other partners, has developed cancer control programmes including vaccination, screening, and treatment services. However, these programmes need continued strengthening and expansion to reach all communities, especially in rural areas.
Every person has a role to play in cancer prevention and control. By making healthy choices, participating in screening programmes when available, seeking early medical attention for concerning symptoms, supporting cancer patients with compassion rather than stigma, and advocating for stronger cancer control policies, we can reduce cancer’s burden on our families and communities.
Let us use World Cancer Day 2026 as an opportunity to renew our commitment to cancer prevention and control. Together – united in our diversity and strengthened by our shared purpose – we can create a healthier future for Myanmar where fewer people develop cancer, more cancers are detected early, and all those affected by cancer receive the care and support they need.
The fight against cancer begins with each of us. Take action today to protect yourself and your loved ones. Your choices matter, your actions count, and together we can make a difference.
References
1. World Health Organization. (2020). Global Health Estimates 2020: Deaths by Cause, Age, Sex, by Country and by Region, 2000-2019. Geneva: WHO.
2. Sung, H, Ferlay, J, Siegel, RL, et al (2021). Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 71(3), 209- 249.
3. World Health Organization. (2022). WHO Report on Cancer: Setting Priorities, Investing Wisely and Providing Care for All. Geneva: WHO.
4. International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2020). Myanmar Fact Sheet – GLOBOCAN 2020. Lyon: IARC.
5. Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar. (2019). National Cancer Control Strategic Plan 2019-2023. Nay Pyi Taw: Ministry of Health and Sports.
6. World Health Organization. (2017). Guide to Cancer Early Detection. Geneva: WHO.
7. Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). (2024). World Cancer Day 2025-2027: United by Unique Campaign Toolkit. Geneva: UICC.

gnlm

Seasonal influenza, commonly known as “the flu”, is a contagious respiratory illness that affects millions of people worldwide every year. While most people recover within a short time, influenza can sometimes lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or even death, especially among vulnerable groups. Recently, global health authorities have reported increased influenza activity and the emergence of a new influenza A(H3N2) subclade, often referred to as the “K virus”.
This article aims to explain seasonal influenza in simple terms, describe the global and Myanmar situation, highlight symptoms and risks, explain the new K virus, and provide clear guidance on vaccination and prevention.

1. What is Seasonal Influenza?
Seasonal influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory system caused mainly by influenza A and B viruses. These viruses circulate throughout the year, but infections usually increase during certain seasons, especially in cooler months.

Influenza spreads easily from person to person through:
• Droplets are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks
• Close contact, such as shaking hands
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth
Unlike the common cold, influenza often starts suddenly and can make people feel very unwell. Although many people recover without treatment, influenza should not be considered a “mild illness” for everyone.

2. Global Situation of Seasonal Influenza

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global influenza activity has increased since late 2025. Many countries in the Northern Hemisphere have reported an earlier and stronger influenza season than usual.

Key global points include:
• Influenza A viruses are currently the most common worldwide
• The A (H3N2) subtype is predominant in many regions
• Increased influenza activity has been reported in Asia, Europe, North America, and parts of Africa
• Health systems may experience pressure due to high numbers of respiratory infections during influenza seasons
WHO surveillance shows that influenza viruses constantly change (genetic drift). One important recent change is the rise of a new A(H3N2) subclade, known as J.2.4.1 or “K subclade”.

3. Myanmar Situation
Myanmar, like other tropical and subtropical countries, experiences influenza activity throughout the year, with peaks during rainy and cooler seasons.

In Myanmar:
• Influenza A viruses, especially A(H3N2), are commonly detected
• Influenza often affects children, elderly people, and those with chronic diseases
• Influenza-like illness contributes to outpatient visits and hospital admissions every year
Regional data from South-East Asia indicate that influenza remains a significant public health concern. Continuous surveillance and public awareness are essential to reduce severe outcomes.

4. Signs and Symptoms of Influenza
Influenza symptoms usually appear 1-4 days after infection and may include:

• Sudden fever
• Cough (usually dry)
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Extreme tiredness or weakness

In children, additional symptoms may include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
Most people recover within 7–10 days, but cough and weakness may last longer.

5. Is Influenza Dangerous? (Risks and Complications)
Yes, influenza can be dangerous, especially for high-risk groups.

Possible complications include:
• Pneumonia
• Worsening of chronic diseases (heart disease, asthma, diabetes)
• Respiratory failure
• Hospitalization and death

High-risk groups include:
• Adults aged 65 years and above
• Children under 5 years
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic diseases (heart, lung, kidney, and diabetes)
• People with weakened immune systems
• Health and care workers
For these groups, influenza is not just a seasonal illness but a serious health threat.

6. The New “K Virus”: Is It Dangerous?
Recently, WHO reported an increase in a new influenza A(H3N2) subclade called K (J.2.4.1). Important facts about the K virus:
• It is not a completely new virus, but a genetically changed form of influenza A(H3N2)
• It has spread to many countries since mid-2025
• Current evidence shows no increase in disease severity compared to previous influenza strains
• WHO continues close monitoring through global surveillance systems
In simple terms, the K virus spreads more easily in some areas, but there is no evidence that it causes more severe illness than other seasonal influenza viruses.

7. Myanmar’s Public Health Response to Respiratory Tract Infections
The Ministry of Health is continuously monitoring the incidence of respiratory tract infections, including seasonal influenza.

The Influenza A H3N2 strain, which is currently reported by global media to be causing increased infections in some countries, is the same strain that has been circulating in Myanmar in 2025. However, the specific Subclade K has not yet been detected.

Key Points for the Public:
* No need for excessive concern: The public does not need to be overly concerned because the general population is expected to have a moderate level of immunity against the strain.
* Treatment and Prevention: The currently used influenza vaccines and treatments are effective in preventing and treating the disease.
* Preparedness: Public hospitals are prepared with influenza treatments and the capacity to provide intensive care for patients who develop severe flu symptoms.
For severe influenza cases, public hospitals in Myanmar are providing treatment and essential medicines in line with national clinical guidelines. Patients with serious symptoms such as breathing difficulty, persistent high fever, or complications are referred to hospitals where they can receive supportive care, including oxygen therapy, fever control, hydration, and antiviral medicines when indicated.
The Ministry of Health and relevant health facilities continue to ensure the availability of necessary medicines and clinical management for severe influenza cases, especially for high-risk groups such as older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases. Early care-seeking at public hospitals is strongly encouraged to reduce complications and prevent deaths.

* Ongoing Efforts: The Ministry is carrying out real-time information dissemination and health education for the public and is accelerating disease surveillance efforts.

8. Should People Get the Influenza Vaccine?
Yes. Influenza vaccination is strongly recommended.
WHO and public health experts agree that vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its complications.

Key points about vaccination:
• Influenza vaccines have been used safely for over 60 years
• Vaccine composition is updated every year to match circulating viruses
• Even if the virus changes, the vaccine still helps reduce severe illness and death
• Vaccination is especially important for high-risk groups and health workers
Recent studies suggest that the current influenza vaccine still provides good protection against hospitalization, even with circulating A(H3N2) subclade K viruses.

6. How Can We Prevent Influenza?
Prevention requires both vaccination and healthy behaviours.
Personal Prevention Measures
• Get vaccinated every year
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Wear a mask if you have flu-like symptoms
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Stay at home when ill to prevent spreading infection

Community and Health System Measures
• Early detection and treatment of severe cases
• Protection of health workers
• Public awareness and risk communication
• Strengthening disease surveillance

10. Still Preventable
Seasonal influenza remains a serious but preventable disease. The recent increase in global influenza activity and the emergence of the A(H3N2) K subclade remind us that influenza viruses continue to evolve. However, there is no need for panic. With vaccination, early care-seeking, and simple preventive measures, influenza-related illness and deaths can be significantly reduced. Protecting high-risk groups and strengthening public awareness are key to safeguarding public health in Myanmar and worldwide.

References
1. World Health Organization: Seasonal Influenza – Global Situation. Disease Outbreak News, December 2025.
2. World Health Organization. Influenza (Seasonal) Fact Sheet. WHO, 2025.
3. World Health Organization. Non-Pharmaceutical Public Health Measures for Influenza, WHO, 2019.
4. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States. Seasonal Influenza (Flu): Key Facts and Prevention, CDC, 2024–2025 Influenza Season Update.
5. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States. Influenza Vaccination: Who Should Get Vaccinated and Why. (2025)
6. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association). Prevention and Treatment of Seasonal Influenza, JAMA Clinical Review,2023-2024
7. Public Notice for Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza (Issued on 22 December 2025), MOH, Myanmar

gnlm

These days, when we scroll through social media or listen to conversations around us, one topic keeps coming back again and again: sugar. Some people talk about quitting it completely, some say they just want to reduce it, and others feel confused about whether it really makes a difference. What most of us agree on, though, is one simple idea: anything taken too much can be harmful. Sugar is not the enemy, but too much sugar quietly becomes a problem before we even realize it.
Many of us grow up with sugar being part of comfort and celebration. Sweet tea in the morning, instant coffee during busy work hours, a cold soft drink on a hot day, or a small dessert to end the evening. These habits feel normal, even harmless. But over time, sugar stops being just a treat and starts becoming part of our daily routine. When that happens, our body begins to react in ways that are easy to ignore at first.
Cutting sugar doesn’t mean we suddenly stop enjoying life or eating the foods we love. It simply means we become more mindful of what we eat and drink every day. Cutting sugar is about reducing or completely avoiding all kinds of sugar in our daily food and drinks. That includes the sugar we add ourselves, the extra sugar used to make food taste better, foods that are already sweetened during preparation, and foods that naturally contain added sugar from the beginning. We do this not because sugar is “bad,” but because it gives us calories without giving our body much real nutrition.
What makes sugar tricky is how easily it hides in everyday food. We often think only of soft drinks and desserts, but sugar appears in many other places, too. Sweetened soy milk, cow’s milk, and yoghurt often contain more sugar than we expect. Energy drinks and sweet electrolyte drinks promise quick strength but rely heavily on glucose, sucrose, or fructose. Instant coffee mixes are especially popular because they are convenient, but they quietly add sugar to our day without us noticing.
Bread, cakes, pastries, and puffs are common snacks, especially when we are busy or tired. Ready-made and processed foods save time, but sugar is often added to improve taste and shelf life. Foods made with coconut milk are rich and comforting, yet they are frequently sweetened. Cane sugar, palm sugar, jaggery, honey, and other natural sugars may sound healthier, but they still affect our bodies in similar ways when taken too much.
Candies, sweet chewing gum, jams, pickles, preserved foods, sweet sauces like ketchup, cream, condensed milk, and sweet mayonnaise slowly build up sugar intake throughout the day. None of these foods is shocking on its own. The issue comes when they appear again and again in our meals and snacks.

That is why reducing or avoiding them becomes an act of self-care rather than restriction.
At the same time, cutting sugar doesn’t leave us with “nothing to eat”. There are still many satisfying and nourishing choices. Natural fruits, when eaten in suitable portions, bring sweetness along with fibre and vitamins. Vegetables of all kinds support digestion and overall health. Diabetic sweeteners can help during the transition, as long as they are used in small amounts. Coffee doesn’t have to disappear from our lives either. Sugar-free options like black coffee, Americano, espresso, or even sugar-free latte and cappuccino can still feel warm and comforting.
Tea becomes a gentle companion during sugar reduction. Green tea, black tea, or plain tea slowly trains our taste buds to enjoy bitterness and balance. Foods like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin provide energy without extreme sweetness. Rice can still be part of our meals when we eat it mindfully, choosing white rice, brown rice, or berry rice in moderation.
Protein plays a big role in this journey. Meat, fish, and eggs help us stay full and reduce sudden cravings. Unsweetened milk, soy milk, and yoghurt offer comfort without hidden sugar. Unsweetened sauces and chilli oil, when used moderately, add flavour without causing sugar spikes. Unsweetened natural fruit juice can be enjoyed in small amounts, and sugar-free electrolyte drinks, protein shakes, and supplements can support active lifestyles.
One reason cutting sugar has become so popular is how quickly people notice changes. Many of us start with appearance in mind. Simply put, we want to look better. When sugar intake drops, fat loss and fat burning become easier, especially when combined with balanced meals. The face often looks fresher, and age-related wrinkles may appear less noticeable. Skin tends to become clearer, less oily, and more even.
Beyond looks, bigger changes happen inside the body. Cutting sugar helps protect against diabetes and unstable blood sugar levels. For those who are not overweight but struggle with belly fat, reducing sugar can help decrease fat around internal organs. Many people also notice improved focus, better concentration, and fewer afternoon crashes. Energy becomes more stable instead of rising and falling sharply throughout the day.
That steady energy makes daily life feel lighter. Endurance improves, simple activities feel easier, and the body feels less heavy. This is why fitness athletes often focus on cutting sugar during cutting phases, but the benefits are not limited to athletes. Anyone can experience them, regardless of lifestyle.
Starting the process doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Small changes are often the most powerful. Replacing regular sugar with a diabetic sweetener can reduce daily intake immediately. Switching from instant coffee to brewed coffee makes a big difference over time. For those who are not ready to drink coffee without sugar, reducing gradually works better. Moving from three or four spoons to one spoon, and mixing with low-fat, unsweetened milk, feels more realistic than quitting suddenly.
Creating an environment that supports us matters too. When sweet drinks and sugary snacks are not easily available at home, cravings become easier to manage. Choosing fewer sweet fruits instead of very sweet ones helps satisfy the desire for sweetness without going overboard. Eating more protein and vegetables helps us stay full and prevents sudden hunger.
Hydration also plays an important role. Many times, what feels like a sugar craving is actually thirst. Drinking water instead of reaching for sweet drinks helps reset this habit. When cravings still appear, choosing filling foods like boiled eggs or boiled meat supports the body instead of fighting it.
Exercise and hobbies add another layer of support. Movement doesn’t have to be intense or stressful. Doing something we enjoy keeps our mind occupied and reduces emotional eating. Even simple routines help us stay connected to our goals.
What truly makes cutting sugar sustainable is patience. Gradually reducing sugar works better than cutting it all at once. Sudden changes often feel shocking to the body and mind, leading to frustration. Slow changes feel gentler and more respectful. Everyone’s experience is different. Some people find the transition easy, especially if they never liked sweet food very much. Others need time, adjustments, and self-kindness.
In the end, cutting sugar is not about following a strict rule or chasing perfection. It’s about awareness. It’s about noticing how we feel when sugar no longer controls our energy, mood, and appetite. When we remember that anything taken too much can be harmful, we naturally move toward balance. And that balance, built slowly and kindly, becomes something we can truly live with.

gnlm

E-cigarettes (Electronic Cigarettes), also known as Vapes, Vapourizers, or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), are smoking devices that use an electrical mechanism to produce heat and vapour containing various chemical substances, rather than smoke from combustion like traditional cigarettes.

1. Key Components and Ingredients
The main components of an e-cigarette are the Battery, the Atomizer (for vapour and heating), and the E-liquid/Juice.
The E-liquid, which is vapourized and inhaled, contains several key compounds:
Nicotine: A highly addictive substance found in both e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes, which makes the body dependent on smoking.
Propylene Glycol: A chemical component used to create the vapour.
Glycerin: A Humectant (moisture-retaining substance) combined with Propylene Glycol. While the FDA has approved it for safe use in food and medicine, it is not approved for inhalation.
Other Chemicals: Illegal products, and even legal ones, may contain carcinogenic chemicals in very low amounts, and reports indicate a long-term cancer risk.

2. Global Burden of E-Cigarette Use
E-cigarette use is rapidly spreading worldwide, particularly among young people, and is becoming a significant public health burden.
Total Users: The estimated global number of e-cigarette users (Vapers) reached 82 million in 2021, a significant increase from 68 million in 2020. (The South-East Asia region accounted for about 14.3 million users in 2021).
Youth Prevalence: According to WHO data, at least 15 million children aged 13 to 15 globally use e-cigarettes. In countries surveyed, children are on average nine times more likely to use e-cigarettes than adults. Current usage rates among youth aged 16-19 in some countries range from 7.7 per cent to 9.4 per cent.
Gateway Effect: Strong evidence suggests that e-cigarette use by young people who have never smoked can lead to nicotine addiction and nearly triple the chances of them moving on to regular cigarette use.

3. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) Cop11 Resolution
I attended the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) as a WHO Guest Advisor. The meeting was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 16 to 22 November 2025. The main focus of the conference was the urgent need to address Emerging and Imitation Tobacco Products, particularly e-cigarettes.

At the conference:
It was emphasized that e-cigarettes are a dangerous Gateway Effect that can lead young people towards regular cigarette use by causing nicotine addiction.
All Member States resolved to prioritize protective measures for youth against e-cigarettes and to establish strict regulations.

4. Myanmar’s Burden
E-cigarette use is also increasing in Myanmar, especially among students and youth.
Myanmar’s Prevalence and Impact
Prevalence Among Smokers: A 2020 study of tobacco smokers in Myanmar found that 11.6 per cent (95 per cent Cl: 5.1 per cent-24.3 per cent) of respondents had Ever Used an e-cigarette.
High-Risk Groups: Use is significantly higher among males, students, youth aged 18 to 29, and residents of the Mandalay Region.
Youth Danger: Data from the 2016 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) showed that smoking among students aged 13-15 in Myanmar increased from 6.8 per cent in 2011 to 8.3 per cent in 2016. The entry of new products like e-cigarettes normalizes tobacco use, necessitating stronger preventative measures.
Health Burden: Currently, 56,841 people die annually in Myanmar from smoking-related diseases. The rise in e-cigarette use will exacerbate this long-term health burden.
Social Consequence: A recent incident in Singapore, where a Myanmar teenager had their long-term immigration pass revoked and was deported for possessing a Kpod containing etomidate, illustrates the severe social consequence of e-cigarette-related legal violations.

5. Adverse Health Effects
Although e-cigarettes do not produce smoke from combustion, the resulting vapour (Aerosol) contains chemicals harmful to health.
Respiratory Diseases: Can cause lung inflammation, or cause or worsen conditions like asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Cardiovascular Issues: Nicotine causes elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and raises the risk of heart disease.
Brain Development Impairment: Nicotine can harm the developing brain of adolescents, reducing concentration and learn abilities.
Cancer Risk: Some compounds, such as Formaldehyde, released when E-liquid is heated, pose a cancer risk.

6. Is it Addictive?
Yes, it is addictive. Nicotine, the main ingredient in e-cigarettes, is one of the most highly addictive substances. Nicotine stimulates the Reward System in the brain, causing a rapid addiction and prompting the user to seek repeated use.

7. Is it Worse than Regular Cigarettes?
It cannot be considered safe.
Regular cigarettes are extremely harmful because their combustion process releases thousands of hazardous chemicals, including tar and carbon monoxide.
E-cigarettes may have fewer toxic substances than regular cigarettes because they do not involve combustion, but they still contain nicotine, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, and other chemicals, meaning they are not completely safe.
The Critical View: E-cigarettes must be seen as a dangerous Gateway that leads non-smokers, especially youth, to nicotine addiction and subsequently to regular cigarette use.

8. Can it be Used as a Smoking Cessation Aid?
While there is some evidence that e-cigarettes may be used to quit smoking, their safety and long-term effectiveness remain controversial.
Official Recommendation: Most health organizations, including the WHO, do not officially recommend e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation method.
Pattern Change: Since e-cigarettes continue to deliver nicotine, using them may simply be a change in the pattern of nicotine use, not a true cessation.
Recommendation: Individuals who wish to quit smoking should seek medications or advice officially recognized by the Ministry of Health.

9. Myanmar’s Prevention and Control Measures
To combat the dangers of tobacco and e-cigarettes, Myanmar enacted the “Control of Smoking and Consumption of Tobacco Products Law” on 4 May 2006, and the “Order 453/2001” concerning standardized packaging and printing of Pictorial Health Warnings on tobacco products, which were revised and enacted on 12 October 2021, came into force on 1 April 2022.
Under these laws and orders, the import, sale, distribution, possession, use, and purchase of e-cigarettes (Vape) and imitation tobacco products are legally banned. This order takes effect from 31 December 2024.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with relevant departments, continues to strive for more effective enforcement, inspection, seizures, and legal action against the illegal trade of e-cigarettes/vapourizers.
In the Cigarette Pictorial Health Warning Global Status Report 2025, released in October 2025, Myanmar’s efforts in tobacco control are highly ranked globally:
Pictorial Health Warning (PHW): Myanmar is ranked 18th globally for requiring PHWs to cover at least 75 per cent of the cigarette packaging.
Plain Packaging: Myanmar is the second country in the Asian region to prepare for the implementation of Plain Packaging.

10.Call to Action
E-cigarettes are not an escape from the dangers of smoking but a path to a new nicotine addiction that threatens the health of the younger generation. While WHO resolutions, Myanmar’s robust laws, and international-standard preventive measures provide strength in tackling this danger, individual understanding, cooperation, and conscious avoidance are the key to success.
Let us collectively protect the health and future of the new generation by acknowledging the dangers of e-cigarettes and all tobacco products.
References
FAQs on E-Cigarettes, Vapourizers and Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products – Ministry of Health.PDF (Singapore MOH FAQs (2018)
Myanmar teen first foreigner to lose Singapore long-term immigration pass for possessing Kpod – CAN (2025)
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) Reports / Statements on ENDS/E-cigarettes (Cop11) (Information regarding the Cop11 resolution to prioritize the protection of youth against e-cigarettes (2025)
WHO: The global prevalence of E-cigarettes in youth: A comprehensive systematic
review and meta-analysis (2025)
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) C Euromonitor. Estimation of the global number of vapers (2023)
Myint, HS, Hlaing, SH, C Htay, N Prevalence of e-cigarette use among tobacco smokers in six states and regions of Myanmar (2020)
WHO. New WHO report highlights tobacco and e-cigarette trends. (2025)
Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2016 Data. Prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among youth in Myanmar.