Ciudad Juárez, Mexico – Officials from the Juárez City Health Department met with administrators from the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez (UACJ) over the weekend to advance the university’s certification as a 100 percent tobacco-free campus, according to a statement released Monday by the city government.
The meeting, held at the UACJ campus, involved personnel from the Health Department led by Director Daphne Santana Fernández, representatives from the State Commission for Addiction Care (CEAADIC), Dr. Gabriela Ortega, head of the CU Campus, Dr. Jorge Ignacio Camargo Nassar, UACJ’s medical director, and teacher José Roberto Escamilla.
The UACJ has already passed a second verification visit by the CEAADIC, and is now awaiting a final inspection by the State Commission for Protection against Health Risks (COESPRIS), the final step in the certification process. The university is seeking to eliminate all forms of tobacco smoke and emissions from its facilities.
During the meeting, participants also discussed logistics for the World No Tobacco Day commemorative event, scheduled for May. The UACJ was selected as the event’s venue due to its standing as a prominent city institution and a reference point for promoting health and well-being among students, officials stated.
The city’s Health Department emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to protect public health, prevent tobacco-related illnesses, and foster healthier environments in educational, work, and social spaces. The department also noted the importance of guaranteeing smoke-free spaces for non-smokers.
According to a report from Puentelibre.mx, the UACJ’s selection as the event venue reflects the university’s commitment to student health. The event will include the presentation of certifications to public institutions and private companies that meet the guidelines for smoke-free environments.
The university is expected to receive its official certification at the May event, pending the final inspection from COESPRIS.
