Bulgaria's Smoke-free Life Coalition launched the first Civil Smoke-Free Day on 22 January in Sofia City Centre to generate public support for the government's proposal to restore the 2009 complete ban on smoking in Bulgaria, which was cancelled due to pressure from the tobacco industry.
The Union's SPARK-TB project (Slum Partnership to Actively Respond to Tuberculosis in Kampala) launched its activities on 1 October 2011. Funded by TB REACH, the project aims to improve access to quality TB diagnosis and treatment in 100 private clinics in the slums of Kampala, the capital city.
As part of Project Axshya, the Uttar Pradesh Welfare Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS Society (UPNP+) and other civil society partners held a silent walk on 24 January 2012 to build awareness of TB and HIV at Magh Mela, a Hindu festival that attracts 250,000 pilgrims each year.
The Union has launched a new programme called PICTS – Program to Increase Catchment of Tuberculosis Suspects. The grand opening of the one-year programme funded by TB REACH was celebrated on 15 January 2012 at the Mandalay Divisional Health Department with a strong turnout from stakeholders and the media.
The Union aims to continually improve and widen the range of services offered to members worldwide. In June 2011, we conducted our first online survey, with 10,000 members, partners and contacts invited to share how they perceive The Union, its resources and benefits. More than 1,000 people responded!
