BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Meqoamia - ECPv5.12.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Meqoamia
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://meqoamia.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Meqoamia
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20250101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250602
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260607
DTSTAMP:20260527T202838
CREATED:20260410T133112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T133112Z
UID:5218-1748822400-1780790399@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:From Seychelles to Addis Ababa: MCDO’s Commitment to Pan‑Africanism and Youth Drug Prevention
DESCRIPTION:  \nIntroduction\nIn June 2025\, two MCDO representatives – Mr. Elias Kalayu and Ms. Sara Deguma – took part in the African Union’s “Training of Master Trainers for University‑Based Youth Engagement in Drug Prevention” held in Seychelles. This participation marks a major milestone for our organization. \nAlignment with MCDO’s Vision and Mission\nMCDO’s vision is “to foster a healthy\, drug‑free generation in Ethiopia and Africa.” Our mission is to scale up evidence‑based prevention education within universities and communities. The AU training perfectly aligns with both our vision and mission. \nThe 2025 Training as a Major Achievement\nWe consider the 2025 Master Trainers’ Training a major success for MCDO and for Ethiopian youth. Through this training we: \n\n\nExchanged knowledge and experience with representatives from 25 African countries. \n\n\nLearned modern\, youth‑engagement models (peer‑led\, evidence‑based). \n\n\nEstablished working relationships with Colombo Plan DAP and US INL. \n\n\nContribution of Elias Kalayu and Sara Deguma\nThe knowledge and skills our two representatives gained are a tremendous asset: \n\n\nElias Kalayu brings over 15 years of experience with UBAACM and successfully integrated that experience into the continental framework. \n\n\nSara Deguma ’s expertise in youth outreach and training design proved invaluable. \n\n\nFrom a Pan‑African Perspective\nPan‑Africanism is the foundational philosophy of the African Union. MCDO supports this mission by connecting Ethiopian youth with their peers across Africa. This training is an excellent example of continental unity and collaborative problem‑solving. \nFuture Plans\nTo put the learned knowledge into practice: \n\n\nWithin the next six months\, we will begin training master trainers in at least five Ethiopian universities. \n\n\nWe will align the UBAACM program with AU standards. \n\n\nWe will work with other African organizations to create a continental youth network for drug prevention. \n\n\nAcknowledgements\nWe extend our deepest gratitude to the African Union (AU)\, the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP)\, and the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) for their support. \nMCDO believes that this participation will make a significant contribution to a better tomorrow – not only in Ethiopia but across Africa and the world. \n#MCDO #PanAfricanism #YouthEmpowerment #DrugPrevention #AU #ColomboPlan #Ethiopia
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/from-seychelles-to-addis-ababa-mcdos-commitment-to-pan%e2%80%91africanism-and-youth-drug-prevention/
LOCATION:victoria seychelles
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery,Drug Demand Reduction,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/photo_2025-06-07_11-15-23.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260515
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260516
DTSTAMP:20260527T202838
CREATED:20260521T114136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T130046Z
UID:5481-1778803200-1778889599@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:"Unmasking the Appeal\, Protecting the Generation" — MCDO and Strategic Health Partners Host High-Level National Press Conference to Combat Rising Vaping and Tobacco Tactics in Ethiopia
DESCRIPTION:PRESS RELEASE                                                                                                                   \nORGANIZERS: Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO)\, in close collaboration with the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA)\, the Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority (AAFDA)\, AND \,  Mathiwos Wondu Foundation (MWF) \,  Health Development and Anti-Malaria Association (HDAMA)\, and the World Health Organization (WHO Ethiopia)\, and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK).\nThis National Event lead by EFDA.\nHEADLINE: “Unmasking the Appeal\, Protecting the Generation” — MCDO and Strategic Health Partners Host High-Level National Press Conference to Combat Rising Vaping and Tobacco Tactics in Ethiopia\nADDIS ABABA – May 15\, 2026\nIn a powerful\, unified front against the rapidly evolving tactics of the tobacco industry\, MCDO\, alongside its foremost national and international health allies—EFDA\, AAFDA\, MWF\, HDAMA\, and CTFK\, WHO Ethiopia—convened a major high-level national press conference and mobilization forum today at the Elilly International Hotel. \nThe high-profile event marked the launch of a comprehensive national campaign aligned with World No Tobacco Day 2026 under the global theme\, “Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.” The primary objective of this joint coalition is to expose the predatory\, deceptive\, and highly attractive marketing strategies used by the tobacco industry to trap children and adolescents into lifelong nicotine addiction\, while strictly reinforcing smoke-free public spaces across Ethiopia. \nFOUNDATIONAL VISION: THE MCDO PREVENTION PHILOSOPHY\nAt the heart of this national mobilization is a profound understanding of human and national development. Addressing the press\, the leadership of MCDO anchored the campaign in the organization’s core institutional belief: \n\n“Nation means the sum of many people\, and people are the sum of individuals; individuals (people) are owners of invaluable brain capital. Protecting the health of our minds means protecting the great wealth and capital of our country!” > — MCDO’s Philosophy on Substance Use Prevention \n\nThis philosophy reframes the fight against nicotine not merely as a medical intervention\, but as a critical defense of Ethiopia’s sovereign economic and intellectual future. By targeting the developing brains of youth with addictive substances\, the tobacco industry is directly undermining the primary engine of the nation’s growth—its human capital. \nGuarding Ethiopia’s Intellectual Wealth: The Core Philosophy\nDelivering the keynote address to the gathered press corps and dignitaries\, Elias Kalayu\, Executive Director of MCDO\, captured the profound urgency of this national movement. He anchored the entire campaign in the organization’s foundational institutional philosophy on substance use prevention: \nBy reframing tobacco control from a basic medical topic to a critical defense of sovereign human capital\, Elias Kalayu exposed how addictive substances directly jeopardize Ethiopia’s ultimate economic engine—the minds of its youth. “When the tobacco industry targets the developing brains of our teenagers\,” he warned\, “they are directly targeting the wealth of our nation.” \nSTAGGERING STATISTICS & THE NEW THREAT: E-CIGARETTES (VAPE)\nDuring the joint press conference\, the coalition shared critical data outlining both progress and alarming new vulnerabilities in public health: \n\n\nThe Global and National Toll: According to World Health Organization (WHO) data\, tobacco kills more than 8 million people annually. Tragically\, 1.3 million of these deaths occur among non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke (passive smokers). In Ethiopia\, thousands of citizens continue to lose their lives every year to these entirely preventable conditions. \n\n\nProgress in Adult Cessation vs. Youth Risk: Through the coordinated efforts of the Ethiopian government and civil society\, adult tobacco prevalence in Ethiopia successfully dropped from 5.7% in 2016 to 4.6% in 2024\, showing notable progress\, particularly among women. However\, this hard-won progress is being severely threatened by a new adversary: Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping. \n\n\nThe Teen Vaping Epidemic: Globally\, there are now over 100 million vape users\, with an alarming 14.7 million being adolescents. Teen vaping rates are currently up to nine times higher than adult vaping rates. \n\n\nEthiopia Targeted as a “Premium Target”: Data from the UNFPA 2024/25 report indicates that over 60% of Ethiopia’s population is under the age of 25. Recognizing this demographic goldmine\, the tobacco industry has explicitly targeted Ethiopia as a “Premium Target” to recruit a new generation of replacement consumers. To mask the harsh\, toxic taste of nicotine\, the industry uses over 16\,000 attractive fruit and candy flavors\, aggressive digital marketing\, and social media influencers to hook unsuspecting youth. \n\n\nEXPANDING IMPACT: MCDO’S LOCAL AND NATIONAL TRIUMPHS\nTo effectively counter these threats\, MCDO and its partners announced major milestones and strategic expansions for 2026: \n\n\nDriving Compliance to 90% in Addis Ababa: Building on the foundations of the Addis Ababa Smoke-Free Initiative (AASFI) launched five years ago by AAFDA and EFDA\, MCDO has scaled up its operational support from one sub-city (Arada) to five strategic sub-cities: Arada\, Kirkos\, Lideta\, Gullele\, and Kolfe Keranio. The targeted milestone for 2026 is to elevate smoke-free law compliance rates in these highly populated areas to an unprecedented 90%. \n\n\n100% Smoke-Free Universities (The UBAACM Program): Through years of sustained partnership with EFDA and the Ministry of Education (MoE)\, the Universities and Higher Education Institution Tobacco Control Program is actively transforming campuses across the nation into 100% smoke-free and tobacco-transaction-free environments. \n\n\nSustaining the Future: Human Capital & the ISSUP Ethiopia National Chapter: Ensuring long-term sustainability requires institutional capacity. MCDO proudly highlighted the establishment of the ISSUP (International Society of Substance Use Professionals) Ethiopia National Chapter. This international milestone provides a golden opportunity for professionals from EFDA\, AAFDA\, and the wider health civil society sector to receive standardized\, evidence-based\, internationally accredited training to scale up prevention and treatment expertise. MCDO has finalized preparations to fly in world-class international trainers to begin this workforce transformation. \n\n\nA UNIFIED CALL TO ACTION: A BATTLE FOR EVERY CITIZEN\nThe press conference concluded with a resolute\, collective call to action from all co-organizers: \n\n\nTo the Government: The coalition urged the government to prioritize human resource development to fully enforce Tobacco Control Proclamation No. 1112/2011. Leaders called for increased support for evidence-based interventions and continuous professional training for law enforcement\, health inspectors\, and journalists. \n\n\nTo the Community and Media: Parents\, teachers\, religious leaders\, and media professionals were urged to break the silence surrounding e-cigarettes and unmask the tobacco industry’s deceptive marketing. Protecting our children’s dreams and preserving the nation’s “brain capital” from being stolen by addiction is a shared moral and civic duty. \n\n\n\nClosing Manifesto: “Let us unmask the appeal and save the generation! Together\, let us hold hands to build a healthy\, tobacco-free\, and thriving Ethiopia!” \n\nFOR MORE INFORMATION\, PARTNERSHIPS\, OR MEDIA INQUIRIES:\nStay connected with our campaign updates\, access resources\, or volunteer through our official platforms: \nOfficial Website: Meqoamia.org  \n\n\nOfficial Facebook Pages: * Meqoamia Community Development Organization : Facebook Page \n\n\nMCDO Official Profile
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/unmasking-the-appeal-protecting-the-generation-mcdo-and-strategic-health-partners-host-high-level-national-press-conference-to-combat-rising-vaping-and-tobacco-tactics-in-ethiopia/
LOCATION:Elilly International Hotel\, Addis Ababa\, Ethiopia\, Addis Ababa\, Bole\, Ethiopia
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery,Addis Ababa Tobacco Smoke-free Initiative (AATSFI),Advocacy,Dire Dawa Tobacco Smoke free Initiative.,Drug Demand Reduction,Drug Prevention,Ethiopia Tobacco smoke free imitative,Inspection,Tobacco,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/photo_2026-05-21_14-14-30.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR