Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Smoking is dangerous during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the WHO’s framework convention on tobacco control, Uganda is not supposed to deal with the tobacco industry. Partnership with the tobacco industry undermines governments’ credibility in protecting population health as there is ‘a fundamental and irreconcilable conflict between the tobacco industry’s interests and public health policy interests’.

By donating, the two companies are trying to improve their corporate image by showing social responsibility to the population, media and decision makers. This is also intended to send deceptive messages to the public about Tobacco Industry operations and their products.

With schools closed, college dorms shuttered and social distancing in full swing, many families are spending more time together than they might have planned to. Experts suggest that it’s an opportune time for parents to talk to kids about vaping and help them break the harmful habit.

One group of people who could be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and hasn’t received as much attention: people who smoke, vape or have substance use disorders.