Uganda

The Ugandan National Association for Community and Occupation Health (UNACOH) has a keen interest in tobacco issues.  In 1999, UNACOH started Tobacco or Health seed activities in the 16 districts with UNACOH branches, supported by the American Cancer Society.  This support was coordinated by the President of UNACOH’s who is also the focal point on tobacco within Uganda’s Ministry of Health.

UNACOH conducted a school-based survey on tobacco use among youth, carried out in 10 secondary and 16 primary schools. Association branches came together on May 11, 2001 in Kampala to discuss the survey results and plan a dissemination strategy.   In addition, UNACOH has organized Tobacco or Health sessions at its annual Scientific Conferences.

With CPHA’s support, UNACOH embarked on an initiative in 2008-09 through which it focused on producing tobacco control and smoking prevention awareness materials and a training program for UNACOH’s representatives in 12 districts to conduct tobacco control public awareness programs.  It also developed and broadcast through national radio several broadcasts on various aspects of tobacco and smoking.  It also featured several presentations on tobacco control and smoking at its annual conference, and conducted smoking and tobacco awareness campaigns in 20 schools.

Building on previous tobacco control activities carried out in association with CPHA in 2008-2009, UNACOH began in January 2011 another project with CPHA’s support, advocating for national and sub-national smoke-free workplace policies in the country. Activities include meetings with key national and district stakeholders towards the formulation of national and individual smoke-free workplaces policies.