The city is committed to creating a smoke-free city in order to reduce the prevalence of exposure to cigarette smoking in public places by 95%
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has joined the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a prestigious global network of 70 cities committed to saving lives by preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, diabetes and injuries.
The KCCA acting executive director Eng. Andrew Kitaka during a press conference revealed that KCCA in a bid to promote the wellbeing of the communities, the city banned smoking in public places.
He added that as part of the Partnership for Healthy Cities, KCCA’s efforts in this area will have a greater impact.
Kitaka noted that the city is committed to creating a smoke-free city in order to reduce the prevalence of exposure to cigarette smoking in public places by 95% in December 2020.
It is estimated that currently, 1.3 million adults in Uganda use tobacco. Results from the 2011 Global Youth Tobacco Survey suggest that amongst young people (13-15 year-olds), 19.3% of young men and 15.8% of young women use tobacco.
“We are proud to join this prominent group of cities working to ensure longer, fuller lives for their residents in the city, The road to a healthier world runs through cities. We are implementing a global blueprint for effective urban health,” he said.
Dr Kelly Henning, who leads the public health program at Bloomberg Philanthropies, noted that most of the world lives in urban areas, and cities can implement meaningful policies.
Henning added that the Partnership for Healthy Cities unites mayors who are committed to action.
According to the Tobacco Atlas, more than 10,637 Ugandans are killed by tobacco-caused diseases every year. NCDs and injuries are responsible for eight in 10 deaths globally.
The partnership for healthy cities is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Vital Strategies. It recognises the critical role cities play in effectively implementing evidence-based interventions to prevent NCDs and injuries.
Partner cities have made important strides to build healthier and safer environments. In Kampala City, smoking was banned in public places.