Smoking in Uganda
There has been a downwards trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Uganda. Smoking prevalence was 15% overall in 2000 and declined to 9% in 2015, with a further drop to around 7% projected by 2025. The prevalence for men has driven this downwards trend. Men’s prevalence decreased from 25.5% in 2000 to 15% in 2015, with a further decrease to 11% projected by 2025. For women prevalence was 4% in 2000, decreasing to 3% in 2015, and is projected to decrease to 2% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates are not age standardised, and were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
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September 02, 2024 by chimpreports.com
Gov’t Urged to Revise Tobacco Control Act 2016
THR Uganda urges the Ugandan government to amend the Tobacco Control Act to provide solutions for smokers wanting to quit. A survey in Lira and Bukedea districts revealed high percentages of smokers with health issues and difficulty quitting. Most smokers started at a young age and struggle to stop despite awareness of risks. The current law lacks support for addicted individuals, with 90% of users stating it didn't help them quit. THR Uganda advocates for empathetic help and safer nicotine alternatives. The CEO emphasizes the urgency, citing cigarette-related deaths as a significant concern in Uganda.
June 08, 2023 by african.business
Electronic-cigarettes ban, a critical tool in Uganda’s battle against tobacco use
In the face of consistent opposition from the tobacco industry, Uganda is standing firm on its successful eight-year long ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), says World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam.
The Tobacco Control Act, 2015 sought to effectively remove this globally popular tobacco alternative to smoking cigarettes from public life. Current evidence indicates that using e-cigarettes is dangerous, especially for young people and people who have never smoked. This is especially significant, says Dr. Yonas, for a country in which over 15% of boys and 13% of girls aged 13 to 15 start smoking every year.
March 03, 2020 by theeastafrican.co.ke
BAT Uganda wants ban on e-cigarettes lifted
British American Tobacco Uganda has asked the government to lift a ban on e-cigarettes as it seeks growth opportunities in a tough business environment.
“We are in talks with the regulator of the tobacco industry to see if the law can be reviewed,” Mathu Kiunjuri, the managing director of BAT Uganda, said at a briefing at the Uganda Securities Exchange on Tuesday.