From Arada to Five Addis Ababa Sub‑Cities: MCDO’s Expanding Collaborative Effort in Tobacco Control
April 15 - May 31
By Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO)
📅 April 2026 | ⏱ 5 min read
Introduction
World No Tobacco Day, observed globally on May 31, is fast approaching. This year’s theme, set by the World Health Organization, is:
World No Tobacco Day 2026: ”Unmasking the Appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction”
”ለኒኮቲንና ለትምባሆ ሱስ አጋላጭ የሆኑ ስልቶችን እናጋልጥ!!”
The theme aims to expose how the tobacco and nicotine industry uses modern, appealing tactics – such as e‑cigarettes, flavored products, and digital advertising – to lure young people into addiction.
Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) , in close collaboration with multiple stakeholders, is actively participating in this nationwide awareness campaign. In this blog post, we highlight our organization’s growth over the past five years, the ongoing implementation plan for World No Tobacco Day 2026, and our unwavering commitment to a tobacco‑free future.
From One Sub‑City to Five: MCDO’s Expanding Footprint
Over the past five years, MCDO’s tobacco control efforts have expanded significantly. What began in just three districts of Arada Sub‑City now reaches five sub‑cities of Addis Ababa:
- Arada
- Kirkos
- Lideta
- Gulele
- Kolfe Keranio(newly added this project year)
This growth has been made possible through funding from the Campaign for Tobacco‑Free Kids (CTFK) and a strong partnership with the Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority (AAFDA) .
“Five years ago, we started with only three districts in Arada. Today, our work spans five sub‑cities. This is a testament to the dedication of MCDO’s team and the power of collaboration with our partners.”
— Senior Program Coordinator, MCDO
The Ongoing Campaign: From Launch to Closing
The 2026 World No Tobacco Day campaign runs from April through May. MCDO is actively coordinating a range of activities under the city‑wide implementation plan led by AAFDA.
Key Activities and Status
| Activity | Details | Status |
| Launch ceremony | 3,000 participants (central) + 500 per sub‑city (11 sub‑cities) | Being finalized |
| Media professionals training | On tobacco harms and laws | Completed |
| City council members awareness session | Engaging lawmakers | Scheduled for April |
| School community training | 12 forums for teachers and principals | Ongoing |
| Nighttime inspections | Night clubs, illegal tobacco vendors | Planned for 2 days |
| Youth mass sport event | Street‑level physical activity campaign | Planned for May |
| Model smoke‑free block visits | For council members and media | Early May |
Note: These activities are part of the official implementation plan prepared by EFDA, AAFDA. MWF ,HEDAMA and MCDO serves on the Technical, Communication, and Logistics Committees, directly contributing to the plan’s execution.
Partnership with a Rehabilitation Center: A New Bridge
MCDO has initiated a new collaboration with the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Center operating under the Addis Ababa City Administration’s Youth and Children’s Bureau. This center primarily serves street individuals brought in by security forces, helping them undergo behavioral change. Many of these individuals struggle with addiction to tobacco and other substances.
MCDO is now in discussion with AAFDA to provide training for both professionals and clients at this center. Preparations are underway. This initiative will not only improve rehabilitation services but also strengthen support systems for those affected by tobacco‑related addiction.
Strong Institutional Coordination: From Federal to Sub‑City Level
MCDO’s strength lies in its deep, multi‑level partnerships.
- At the federal level: MCDO is a member of the National Tobacco Control Committee member (NTCCM) , chaired by the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) . This membership allows us to contribute to national policy development.
- At the city level: MCDO has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority (AAFDA) , under which we coordinate tobacco control activities in five sub‑cities.
- With civil society partners: MCDO works closely with Mathiwos Wondu Foundation (MWF) and HEDAMA. Both organizations are active members of the campaign committees and contribute significantly to the initiative’s success.
Aligning with the Global Theme: Our Vision and Mission
This year’s theme – “Unmasking the Appeal” – directly aligns with MCDO’s mission to expose industry tactics and protect young people.
Our Vision:
To see a city free from tobacco smoke and a society free from tobacco.
Our Mission:
To implement comprehensive, coordinated, multi‑sectoral tobacco control, communication, and cessation programs, thereby protecting Addis Ababa residents from tobacco‑related harm and contributing to national health goals.
By actively participating in this campaign, MCDO demonstrates its commitment to creating a tobacco‑free generation.
How You Can Get Involved
The success of this campaign depends on broad participation. You can contribute by:
- Sharing information– Post this blog on your social media channels.
- Volunteering– Join awareness activities in your neighborhood.
- Respecting the law– Do not smoke in public places; encourage others to do the same.
- Contacting us– If you are interested in funding or partnership opportunities, reach out to MCDO.
Conclusion
Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) is actively engaged in the 2026 World No Tobacco Day campaign, working hand‑in‑hand with AAFDA, EFDA, MWF, HEDAMA, and other stakeholders. From our humble beginnings in Arada to reaching five sub‑cities, we are steadily expanding our impact.
A smoke‑free Addis Ababa is our vision. Join us on this journey!
About MCDO
Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) is a community‑based organization operating in Addis Ababa, focusing on tobacco control, substance abuse prevention, and community health protection.
🌐 Website: https://meqoamia.org/
📧 Email: info@meqoamia.org
📞 Phone: +251-XXX-XXXX
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🚭 From Arada to five sub‑cities: MCDO’s expanding collaborative effort in tobacco control.
Read how we are participating in the 2026 World No Tobacco Day campaign.
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