Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) is proud to announce a landmark continental milestone in its mission to advance public health governance, promote smoke-free environments, and strengthen regulatory compliance in Ethiopia and across Africa.
Following a formal review session, the Board of Directors of the African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) officially approved MCDO’s application for membership. This decision integrates MCDO into a premier pan-African network of civil society organizations, researchers, and policy advocates dedicated to protecting public health from the burden of tobacco use and industry interference.
Elevating National Policy Advocacy to the Pan-African Stage
Joining ATCA marks a strategic expansion of MCDO’s advocacy footprint. As an active civil society partner in Ethiopia, MCDO works closely with regulatory authorities, local governance structures, and community actors to ensure the strict implementation of tobacco control laws.
Through this continental alliance, MCDO will:
- Amplify Ethiopia’s Public Health Successes: Share evidence-based models, regional integration strategies, and field enforcement mechanisms developed in Ethiopia across international platforms.
- Counter Industry Interference: Collaborate with continental leaders to monitor, expose, and mitigate tobacco industry tactics aimed at undermining health regulations.
- Strengthen Technical Capacities: Engage in cross-border knowledge exchange, policy research, and strategic alignment to drive sustainable public health outcomes.
“This continental recognition is a reflection of the dedicated work our team and key partners carry out on the ground every day in Ethiopia,” stated Elias Kalayu Abrha, Founder and Executive Director of MCDO. “Joining ATCA allows us to align our national enforcement efforts with pan-African health goals, ensuring that Ethiopia’s voice and experience contribute meaningfully to a tobacco-free continent.”
Institutional Acknowledgments & Strategic Synergies
MCDO’s progress is built upon strong collaborative partnerships and institutional support. We extend our profound gratitude to:
- The ATCA Board of Directors and Secretariat: For their trust, leadership, and warm welcome into the alliance.
- The Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) & The Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority (AAFDA): For their unwavering regulatory leadership, joint enforcement initiatives, and institutional cooperation.
- The African Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research Centre (ATIM) at the University of Pretoria: Successfully completing the specialized policy advocacy course provided by ATIM served as a crucial capacity booster, equipping our leadership with key tools to achieve this continental milestone.
- Partner Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): For their ongoing solidarity, shared vision, and grassroots advocacy in public health.
- The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK): For their steadfast strategic guidance, partnership, and commitment to advancing health governance.
Looking Ahead
As an official member of ATCA, MCDO remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding public health, building resilient community frameworks, and advocating for robust policy enforcement. We look forward to leveraging this continental platform to accelerate progress toward a healthier, tobacco-free Africa.
About Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO):
Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, MCDO is a non-governmental organization committed to public health policy advocacy, Addiction prevention, regulatory enforcement support, civil society capacity building, and sustainable community development.
About the African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA):
ATCA is a pan-African network of civil society organizations dedicated to promoting health and preventing the harms caused by tobacco use across the African continent.