The Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa (CTCA) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a mobile application yesterday. The application will monitor compliance and violation of existing bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship throughout the country. The launch was presided over by the WHO Representative of the Uganda Country Office, Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldermariam.
In his remarks, Dr Woldermariam revealed that the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2017 showed Tobacco Use was at about 8% among Ugandan adults, adding that risk factors associated with tobacco use were one of the biggest contributors to premature deaths, among Non-Communicable Diseases. He also revealed that about 2% of those affected were second – hand smokers. “The most logical way to reverse this tragedy is to enforce compliance to the strong existing laws in the country”, he concluded
Dr David Musoke who represented the Dean of the School of Public Health of Makerere University, commended CTCA for the work they were engaged in, noting that it was one of “the flagship projects” of the School of Public Health performing exceptionally well. “Your work informs our teaching and research, and policy and practice” he added. Dr Musoke further applauded WHO for their continued partnership with Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH).