WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control ( FCTC) project for the EAC launched

The Chairperson of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health and Minister of Health for Uganda, Hon. Dr. Christine Ondoa has called on EAC Partner states to come up with a coordinated approach to mainstream tobacco control in all sectors of  government.  Dr. Christine Ondoa was officiating at the launch of the East African Community  WHO project on the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control ( FCTC) .  

The launch took place during a dinner hosted by the Minister on behalf of WHO and the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids ( CTFK), at the ongoing  4^th   Annual EAC Health and Scientific Conference in Kigali, on March 27, 2013. 

Dr. Christine Ondoa and the Deputy Secretary General of the EAC, Dr. Jessica Eliyo  were both given  copies of the WHO FCTC  and the relevant documents, and both expressed commitment to ensure that the project is successfully implemented.  

The five year project, funded by the Bill and Mellinda Gates Foundation through WHO, is aimed at ensuring that issues related to the implementation of the WHO FCTC are taken care of in the region.  Some of the key issues to be tackled under the project include; research on tobacco economics and trade, sensitization and awareness creation as well as enhancement of tobacco control interventions in the region.