Meqoamia

አለም አቀፍ የአደገኛ እፅ አላግባብ መጠቀምን እና ህገወጥ ዝውውርን መከላከል ቀን International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
2023-06-27 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
June 26 /2023
አለም አቀፍ የአደገኛ እፅ አላግባብ መጠቀምን እና ህገወጥ ዝውውርን መከላከል ቀን
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
መከላከልን ከርኅራኄ ጋር፡፡
“ሱሰኝነት የምንከላለውና ማገገም የሚችል የአንጎል ህመም ነው!”
ሃገር ማለት ሰው ነው!
የዘንድሮው International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
መሪ ቃል፡-
People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”
#ቅድሚያ ለሰው! ፡- አድሎ እና መገለል ይቁም ! ፣ ቅድመ መከላከልን እናጠናከር! – የአደገኛ ዕፅ ተጠቃሚና ሱሰኞችን በአክብሮት እና እክብካቤ ማከም ፣ ማስረጃ ላይ የተመሰረተ ለሁሉም የበጎ ፈቃድ አገልግሎት መስጠት ፣ የቅጣትና ማስተማሪያ አማራጮችን መጠቀም ፣ መከላከልን ማስቀደም እና ግንዛቤን ማሳደግ ላይ ታስቦ የተዘጋጀ ነው። ከርኅራኄ ጋር፡፡
የዓለም የአደገኛ ዕፅ ችግር በዓለም ዙሪያ በሚሊዮን የሚቆጠሩ ሰዎችን አደጋ ላይ የጣለ ውስብስብ ጉዳይ ነው ። አደገኛ መድኃኒቶችንና ዕፆችን የሚወስዱ ሰዎች አካላዊና አእምሯዊ ጤንነታቸው አደጋ ላይ ከመውደቅ በተጨማሪ የሚያስፈልጋቸውን እርዳታ እንዳያገኙ እንኳ ያሉበት ችግር ሊያግዳቸው ይችላል ።
በዚህም የተባበሩት መንግስታት ድርጅት የአደገኛ መድኃኒቶችና ወንጀሎች ቢሮ (UNODC) – በሰብአዊ መብት ፣ ርህራሄ እና በማስረጃ ላይ በተመሰረተ ተግባራት ላይ ትኩረት በማድረግ የአደንዛዥ ዕፅ ፖሊሲዎችን በህዝብ ላይ ያተኮረ አቀራረብ የመከተልን አስፈላጊነት ተገንዝቧል።
“ጥላታችን በሱስ ህመሙ ላይ እንጅ ሱሰኛው አይደለም !”
መቋሚያ የማህበረሰብ ልማት ድርጅት
ሰኔ 17 /2015 – 24 June 2023
People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”

Joint on-site visit with EFDA, FMHACA, Police, law enforcement, MCDO and MWECS on Arada, Kirkos, Lideta and Gullele sub-cities
2023-08-04 08:00 - 17:00
The joint on-site visit has taken place on August 4, 2023. This kind of on-site visit is an integral joint visit of stakeholders. It is organized in the context of a joint or integrated on-site visit of stakeholders in Arada, Kirkos, Lideta and Gullele sub-cities, where progress of establishments and adherence to the proclamation 1112/2019 is observed on spot. The on-site visit gathered stakeholders of AASFI together and its expected outcome is to ensure the establishment’s adherence to SF requirements. The on-site inspectors were from EFDA, FMHCA, Arada FMHCA, Kirkos FMHACA, Lideta and Gullele, and MCDO. During the inspection, the visitor team observed that most of district 3, 5 and 9 establishments in satisfactory state in adhering to the SF requirements. The team was grateful about the work done in Arada visiting the aforementioned provinces. In Kirkos sub city, what the team has observed was a success story in most follow up cases but need work in districts adjust to the aforementioned ones, especially district 3. The overall on-site visit was finalized by hearing feedback from the participants and having a meal together which yielded a fruitful discussion over lunch, especially about strengthening and integrating the tobacco steering committee (task force) by including the newly added sub cities, Lideta and Gullele. Further discussion and progress review was made in MCDO office among staff.

Enhancing media coverage of SF implementation by engaging MCDO’s existing media and other media broadcasts
2023-09-05 08:00 - 2023-09-13 17:00
A briefing meeting with media was held on September 5, 2023 at the MCDO office in Addis Ababa. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways to enhance media coverage of the implementation of the Smoke-Free (SF) policy to a wider audience. The expected outcome is to create mass awareness, especially through well-known media outlets.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various media outlets, including television, radio, and print. Ethiopian Press, Reporter Magazine, Addis Media Network (AMN), Maleda Radio, Awash Radio, Addis Admas Magazine, and Roha Media were all represented.
After a fruitful discussion, the participants agreed to establish a media team that would meet regularly to discuss media coverage of the SF policy implementation. This team will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to raise awareness of the policy and its benefits.
The media team will also work to create a mass awareness campaign around the slogan, “It is my natural right to live in an environment 100% free of tobacco smoke.” This campaign will support the efforts of the Addis Ababa Smoke-Free Initiative (AASFI) and the MCDO to create a healthier and more smoke-free city.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all participants to work together to raise awareness of the SF policy and its benefits. The media team is confident that they can make a significant contribution to this effort and help to create a healthier and more smoke-free Addis Ababa for all.

Organize and conduct sensitization workshops for health inspectors, Woreda (province) professionals, and law enforcement officials on SF provisions and SF enforcement strategies,
2023-11-20 08:00 | Kena Hotel, Addis Ababa.
The workshop took place on October 20, 2023, at Kena Hotel, Addis Ababa. It was organized to gather directors of AASFI tobacco sector from the four sub cities, Arada, Kirkos, Lideta, and Gullele FMHACA’s. Among the participants, most of them are newly appointed officials. The sensitization workshop gathered directors from the aforementioned sub cities and its expected outcome was to ensure professional’s sensitization about significance and content of SF provision. The participants were AAFMHACA, Police and law enforcement, Arada-FMHCA director, Kirkos-FMHCA director, Lideta director, Gullele director, CTFK representative and MCDO.
The workshop was organized into three sessions, three presentations and participants’ discussion. The first session started with introductions and presentations from MCDO about the general activities of MCDO, and MCDO full package which was followed by presentations on the overall activities of AASFI and the structure of the newly stablished office structure by Molla, AASFI tobacco director. The workshop was a great input in onboarding the newly appointed directors both from AAFMHACA and sub cities. AASFI endeavors were presented to bring the participants to one page. Then, stakeholders’ discussion led by Ms. Elias, Miressa – AAFMHACA, and Sister Bedria – AAMHACA was conducted and reflections and answer on the questions and comments were communicated.

Strengthen SF youth clubs in selected high schools in three sub-cities in Addis Ababa city
2023-12-18 08:00 - 2023-12-20 17:00 | Arada Sub City, Addis Ababa,
The report of the activity “Strengthening SF Clubs” outlines the progress made in strengthening smoke-free youth clubs in selected high schools across three sub-cities in Addis Ababa city. The project has successfully engaged with high school students, implemented educational initiatives, and provided awareness creation resources (IEC/BCC materials) to promote smoke-free environments. The impact of these efforts has been significant in raising awareness and fostering a healthier lifestyle among the youth. It is recalled that recently MCDO included the activity of SF implementation in schools. Last time, it was started with Assy Public School in Kirkos sub city. Now, the activity is expanding to other sub cities. Under this activity, strengthening SF clubs was executed in three schools found in Arada sub city. Namely, Belay Zeleke, Kelemework, and Minilik the 2nd schools. It is recalled that youth who did not pass the National Exams are very much vulnerable to addiction and related health hazards. Therefore, focusing on the upcoming generation is vital direction to handle youth healthier lifestyle before complications.

Enhancing media coverage of SF implementation by engaging MCDO’s existing media and other media broadcasts
2023-12-19 08:00 - 2023-12-20 12:30 | MCDO office, Bole
The media meeting highlights the efforts to enhance media coverage of smoke-free implementation by engaging the organization’s existing media outlets and other media broadcasts. The project successfully leveraged the organization’s media resources to raise awareness and promote smoke-free initiatives. Additionally, collaboration with external media broadcasts expanded the reach of the campaign. The report also outlines the challenges faced, such as limited resources and competition for media attention, and provides recommendations for future efforts, including diversifying media partnerships and optimizing existing resources for maximum impact. Telegram, YouTube, and WhatsApp were chosen from social media to be the best outlets for media engagement. Community radios, Fm radios and newly introduced AAFMHACA magazine were selected to broadcast TC project and related updates

Advocacy meeting with Mayor’s office, EFDA, AAFMHACA, Police Commission, Code enforcement bureau, and women and youth bureau to support strong enforcement of SF provisions
2024-02-06 08:00 - 2024-02-11 17:00
The advocacy meeting took place on February 6, 2024, at Cassiopeia Hotel, Addis Ababa. The workshop was organized in a presentation and stakeholders decisive discussion set up. The presentation and discussion aimed at creating and sustaining high political commitment among higher officials and prioritising SF implementation and compliance as an expected outcome. This outcome is much needed because AAFMHCA (recently, on the way to change its structural name to AAFDA (Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority)) has gone through structural reform twice. This meeting specifically, aspire to see the engagement of Mayor office in AASFI strengthen and deepened. Unfortunately, due to the city’s preparation to host the African Union program, the mayor office representative could not make it for the meeting. The meeting gathered participants from AASFI stakeholders, EFDA, AA-FMHACA, Arada, Kirkos, Lideta and Gullele sub cities, and MCDO.

Support AAFMHACA, EFDA, and other law enforcement officials with daytime inspection and SF enforcement visits in Arada and Kirkos sub-cities selected districts: – March 4 and 5, 2024 - Arada and Kirkos Sub Cities
2024-03-04 08:00 - 17:00
This grant report summarizes the night inspections conducted in Gullele and Lideta sub-cities, focusing on the outcomes and actions taken during the inspection process. March 4 and 5, 2024, night time inspection was conducted in Gullele and Lideta sub-cities. This inspection is the third night time inspection to be conducted among the four inspections planned in the 21-months project. A thorough orientation was given to district professionals and focal persons on March 1, 2024. A thorough discussion were raised concerning legal measurement due to the nature of night inspection considering safety and legal measure execution. The inspections aimed to ensure compliance with regulations and promote a safe and conducive environment for residents and visitors. The outcomes of the night inspections underscore the importance of enforcing regulations and holding establishments accountable for compliance with guidelines. Continued monitoring and enforcement efforts are essential to maintain standards and promote a safe and healthy environment in Gullele and Lideta sub-cities. This report highlights the significance of night inspections in upholding regulations, ensuring compliance, and fostering a culture of accountability among establishments in Gullele and Lideta sub-cities. Continued vigilance and enforcement will be crucial in sustaining a safe and compliant environment for all residents and visitors

Dire Dawa Tobacco Smoke free Initiative.
2024-03-28 - 2024-04-27
Advocacy meeting with health officials of Dire Dawa FMHACA, and province officials for political support of SF implementation. At Dire Dawa City – 2024,03,28

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2024 at Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, Pan Africa Hall, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
2024-05-16 08:00 - 2024-05-30 17:00 | Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, Pan Africa Hall, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
A city-wide anti-tobacco and anti-drug campaign was launched in city level in line with World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2024 at Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, Pan Africa Hall, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Addis Ababa City Administration Food and Drug Authority (AAFDA), Ethiopian Food and Drug Control Authority (EFDA), and the Health Development and Anti-Malaria Association (HDAMA), with MWECS, and Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) coordinated this city-wide anti-tobacco and anti- drug movement with the motto “Let’s protect children from the interference of the tobacco industry” in the presence of more than 2000 people. This is 2024’s WNTD motto. AAFDA General Manager Ms. MuluEmebet Tadese said in her speech on the official launch of the city-wide movement, Tobacco has a negative impact on the health and beauty of the city of Addis Ababa, which is contrary to her name Addis Ababa (New Flower). She said that it will cause social, economic and environmental damage. In places where smoking and use of tobacco products are prohibited, the positive changes are very promising. The tobacco industry’s intervention and control activities are also being carried out despite the wide range challenges. Mrs. Buzena Alkadir, Chief Speaker of Addis Ababa City Administration, who was the guest of honour at the program held at Adwa Victory Memorial Museum Pan Africa Hall, communicated that, “In order to make our society a part of the movement to prevent tobacco and tobacco smoke, there will be large-scale movements to increase the participation of the society in the future, mainly: controlling the distribution of tobacco. Furthermore, he pointed out that taking constructive measures against illegal tobacco dealers and users, and expanding counselling and rehabilitation centres for our people who are victims of addiction for various reasons will make restoration of healthy and productive life and generations.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. At Addis Ababa Ethiopia
2024-06-26 08:00 - 2024-07-02 17:00 | mogenoria Hotel
“The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”
The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. From individuals struggling with substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organized crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex. Central to addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritizes prevention and treatment.

Statistic: Over 3 million annual deaths due to alcohol and drug use (Source: WHO 2024 report)
Key Point: Substance abuse is a significant global public health problem.
Raise awareness: Increase understanding of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of evidence-based prevention strategies, emphasizing their impact on mitigating the harms of drug use.

Advocate for investment: Encourage greater investment in prevention efforts by governments, policymakers, and law enforcement professionals, highlighting the long-term benefits of early intervention and prevention.
Empower communities: Equip communities with the tools and resources to implement evidence-based prevention initiatives, fostering resilience against drug use and promoting community-led solutions.
Facilitate dialogue and collaboration: Promote dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders to enhance evidence-based prevention practices and policies, fostering a supportive environment for knowledge sharing and innovation.
Promote evidence-based policymaking: Advocate for evidence-based policymaking at the national and international levels, ensuring that drug policies are grounded in scientific research and informed by best practices.
Engage communities: Raise awareness about the importance of community engagement and participation in designing and implementing effective drug prevention programs, empowering communities to take ownership of prevention efforts.
Empower youth: Provide youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources to become agents of change in their communities, advocating for drug prevention initiatives and amplifying their voices in the conversation.
Promote international cooperation: Foster international cooperation and collaboration among governments, organizations, and communities to develop and implement evidence-based strategies for combating drug trafficking and organized crime, recognizing the global nature of the drug problem and the need for coordinated action. sources :- https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/drugs/index-new.html

Support AAFDA, EFDA, and other law enforcement officials with daytime inspection and SF enforcement visits in Arada and Kirkos sub-cities selected districts
2024-07-12 08:00 - 2024-08-01 17:00
On July 12-13, 2024, a daytime inspection was conducted in Arada sub city. This marked the third daytime inspection in these areas and served as the final inspection for the 21-month Tobacco Control (TC) project. On July 19, 2024, a comprehensive orientation was provided to district professionals and focal persons. During this session, key topics were discussed, including the inspection checklist, legal measures for enforcement, and logistical considerations for the inspection process. MCDO collaborated closely with the Addis Ababa Food and Drug Administration (AAFDA) and the sub-city AAFDA branches throughout the inspection activities.
Despite facing challenges in both sub-cities, the Tobacco Control initiative has shown promising progress, particularly in raising awareness among the community, as observed in previous inspections. However, managing such a large sub-city within the allocated budget presents ongoing difficulties. Certain legal matters require attention, and some areas continue to be hotspots for violations against smoke-free implementation. Recognizing these challenges, MCDO is committed to working closely with the relevant government bodies to address these issues and enhance compliance efforts in the identified problematic areas.

Organize and conduct sensitization workshops for health inspectors, Woreda (province) professionals, and law enforcement officials on SF provisions and SF enforcement strategies
2024-08-29 08:00 - 2024-09-26 17:00 | AAFDA
The sensitization workshop commenced on August 29,2024 with Mr. Molla, the tobacco focal person from AAFDA, introducing the overall objectives of the session. Following this, Mr. Elias, MCDO executive director, provided insights into the ongoing progress of AASFI and our aspirations for the initiative’s future. The first presentation was delivered by Esisha Mengistu, a project officer from MCDO, focusing on AASFI’s progress over the past 14 months, including opportunities, challenges, and a promising outlook. Mr. Molla then presented on the progress of activities across all sub-cities involved in AASFI, including those where MCDO is active.
After the presentations, stakeholders engaged in a discussion, highlighting the following key points: In conclusion, Mr. Assefa, the current director of AAFDA, addressed the raised issues and officially closed the meeting. The sensitization workshop facilitated a productive dialogue between MCDO and AAFDA, resulting in a significant agreement to collaborate on upcoming activities in the new Ethiopian year. This collaboration aims to create a cohesive approach to the Tobacco Control (TC) project.

MCDO Recognized for Addis Ababa Smoke-Free Efforts.
2024-09-05 08:00 - 2024-09-08 17:00
Addis Ababa Smoke Free Initiative (AASFI) Achieves Milestone!
We’re thrilled to announce that MCDO’s efforts to create a healthier Addis Ababa have been recognized by the AAFDA. For their invaluable contributions to our smoke-free city initiative, MCDO received a certificate of appreciation from AAFDA Director Mrs. Mulumebet.
Together, we’re building a cleaner, healthier future for all. #AddisAbaba #SmokeFreeCity #MCDO #AASFI

A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership.
2025-04-24 - 2025-04-26
Training is underway for high and mid-level leaders of the Federal Prison Commission on Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) and SUDs Treatment and Recovery coaching. The theme of this training, taking place from April 24-26, 2025, at the Pyramid Hotel and Resort in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, is “Addiction Recovery, Relapse Prevention, and Reduced Recidivism.” This training incorporates principles from the self-help book, “Meqoamia – science of Addiction” recovery support.
#Ethiopia #UNODC #FCC #MCDO
” A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership. ”
#drug_demand_reduction #Recovery #recoverycoach #recivismreduction #Ethiopianprison
#addictionrecovery #relapsprevetion

A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership.
2025-04-24 - 2025-04-26
Capacity building training on Addiction Recovery, Relapse Prevention, and Reduced Recidivism. This training incorporates principles from the self-help book, “Meqoamia – The science of Addiction” recovery support.
*Knowing our Enemy (Addiction)

“A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership.”

#drug_demand_reduction #DDR #Recovery #recoverycoach #recivismreduction #Ethiopianprison #UNODC #FPC #MCDO #መቋሚያ-የሱስ ሳይንስ
#addictionrecovery #relapsprevention

A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership.
2025-04-24 - 2025-04-26 | pyramid hotel and resort beshofitu
Capacity building training on Addiction Recovery, Relapse Prevention, and Reduced Recidivism.This training incorporates principles from the self-help book, “Meqoamia – science of Addiction” recovery support.
*Knowing_our_Enemy (Addiction)

“A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership.”

#drug_demand_reduction #DDR #Recovery #recoverycoach #recivismreduction #Ethiopianprison #UNODC #FPC #MCDO #መቋሚያ-የሱስ ሳይንስ
#addictionrecovery #relapsprevention

A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership.
2025-04-24 - 2025-04-26 | pyramid hotel and resort beshofitu
Capacity building training on Addiction Recovery, Relapse Prevention, and Reduced Recidivism. This training incorporates principles from the self-help book, “Meqoamia – science of Addiction” recovery support.
*Knowing our Enemy (Addiction)

“A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership.”

#drug_demand_reduction #DDR #Recovery #recoverycoach #recivismreduction #Ethiopianprison #UNODC #FPC #MCDO #መቋሚያ-የሱስ ሳይንስ
#addictionrecovery #relapsprevention

From Seychelles to Addis Ababa: MCDO’s Commitment to Pan‑Africanism and Youth Drug Prevention
2025-06-02 - 2026-06-06 | victoria seychelles
Introduction
In 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.
Alignment with MCDO’s Vision and Mission
MCDO’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.
The 2025 Training as a Major Achievement
We consider the 2025 Master Trainers’ Training a major success for MCDO and for Ethiopian youth. Through this training we:

Exchanged knowledge and experience with representatives from 25 African countries.

Learned modern, youth‑engagement models (peer‑led, evidence‑based).

Established working relationships with Colombo Plan DAP and US INL.

Contribution of Elias Kalayu and Sara Deguma
The knowledge and skills our two representatives gained are a tremendous asset:

Elias Kalayu brings over 15 years of experience with UBAACM and successfully integrated that experience into the continental framework.

Sara Deguma ’s expertise in youth outreach and training design proved invaluable.

From a Pan‑African Perspective
Pan‑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.
Future Plans
To put the learned knowledge into practice:

Within the next six months, we will begin training master trainers in at least five Ethiopian universities.

We will align the UBAACM program with AU standards.

We will work with other African organizations to create a continental youth network for drug prevention.

Acknowledgements
We 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.
MCDO believes that this participation will make a significant contribution to a better tomorrow – not only in Ethiopia but across Africa and the world.
#MCDO #PanAfricanism #YouthEmpowerment #DrugPrevention #AU #ColomboPlan #Ethiopia

Elias Kalayu and Sara Deguma Complete AU Master Trainers’ Training on Youth Drug Prevention in Seychelles
2025-06-02 - 2025-06-06
Victoria, Seychelles – From June 2–6, 2025, the African Union (AU) hosted the “Training of Master Trainers for University-Based Youth Engagement in Drug Prevention” in Victoria, Seychelles. Representing MCDO (Meqoamia Community Development Organization), Mr. Elias Kalayu Abrha and Ms. Sara Deguma successfully participated in and completed the training.
The training was jointly organized by the African Union Commission (AUC), the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP), and the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). Recognizing that over 60% of Africa’s population is under 25, the program aimed to scale up evidence‑based, youth‑centered, peer‑led prevention interventions in tertiary institutions across the continent.
Key topics covered included:

Understanding Substance Use Disorder

Peer‑led prevention strategies

Culturally appropriate intervention tools

Mr. Elias Kalayu stated: *“This training is a major boost for our University Based Anti-Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM), which we have been running in Ethiopian universities for over 15 years. The knowledge and skills we gained will significantly contribute not only to our country but also to continental drug prevention efforts.”*
MCDO extends its gratitude to the African Union, Colombo Plan DAP, and US INL for this invaluable opportunity. The organization is committed to rolling out the learned models across multiple Ethiopian universities in the coming months to build a sustainable, community‑driven prevention movement.

ርዕስ፦ የኤልያስ ካልአዩ እና ሣራ ድጉማ በአፍሪካ ህብረት የወጣቶች አደገኛ ዕጽ መከላከል የማስተር አሰልጣኞች ስልጠና ተሳታፊዎች ሆኑ።
ቪክቶሪያ፣ ሲሸልስ – ከጁን 2–6፣ 2025 በሲሸልስ ውቅያኖስ ዳርቻ በተካሄደው የአፍሪካ ህብረት (AU) “Training of Master Trainers for University-Based Youth Engagement in Drug Prevention” መርሃ ግብር ላይ፣ የMCDO (Meqoamia Community Development Organization) ተወካዮች የሆኑት አቶ ኤልያስ ካልአዩ አብርሃ እና ወይዘሮ ሣራ ድጉማ ተሳታፊ በመሆን ስልጠናውን አጠናቀዋል።
ይህ ስልጠና በአፍሪካ ህብረት ኮሚሽን (AUC)፣ በኮሎምቦ ፕላን ዕጽ አማካሪ ፕሮግራም (Colombo Plan DAP)፣ እና በUS INL (Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs) በጋራ የተደራጀ ነበር። ስልጠናው ከ60% በላይ ወጣቶች ከአጠቃላይ ህዝብ ቁጥር የሚይዙት አህጉራዊ እውነታን መሰረት ያደረገ ሲሆን፣ ዋና ዓላማው በዩኒቨርሲቲዎች ውስጥ ተማሪዎችን ማእከል ያደረጉ፣ በማስረጃ ላይ የተመሰረቱ የመከላከል ፕሮግራሞችን ማስፋፋት ነበር።
በስልጠናው ወቅት የተሸፈኑ ዋና ዋና ጭብጦች፦

የአደገኛ ዕጽ አጠቃቀም ዲስኦርደር (Substance Use Disorder) ግንዛቤ

በወጣቶች የሚመራ የአቻ ትምህርት (peer-led) የመከላከል ስልቶች

ከአፍሪካ ባህል ጋር የሚስማሙ የጣልቃ ገብነት መሳሪያዎች

ኤልያስ ካልአዩ እንዳሉት፦ *“ይህ ስልጠና በኢትዮጵያ ዩኒቨርሲቲዎች ውስጥ ለ13 ዓመታት በላይ ስንሰራው ለነበረው University Based Anti-Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM) ትልቅ መነቃቃት ነው። የተማርነው እውቀት እና ክህሎት በአገራችን ብቻ ሳይሆን በአጠቃላይ አህጉራዊ የመከላከል ጥረት ላይ ከፍተኛ አስተዋጽኦ ይኖረዋል።”*
MCDO ለአፍሪካ ህብረት፣ ለኮሎምቦ ፕላን DAP እና ለUS INL ይህን ትልቅ እድል በመስጠታቸው ምስጋናውን ይገልጻል። ድርጅቱ የተማረውን በመጪዎቹ ወራት በኢትዮጵያ በርካታ ዩኒቨርሲቲዎች ውስጥ በማሰማራት ዘላቂ ማህበረሰብ አቀፍ ንቅናቄ ለመፍጠር ቆርጧል።

Targeted Daytime Inspections Conducted in Kolfe Keranio Sub-City to Strengthen Tobacco Control Enforcement
2026-03-12 08:00 - 2026-03-13 17:00
March 12–13, 2026 | Kolfe Keranio Sub-City, Addis Ababa
Targeted daytime inspections were successfully conducted in Kolfe Keranio Sub-City as part of Strategy 3.1 under the Addis Ababa Smoke-Free Initiative (AASFI). The activity aimed to strengthen systematic inspection and enforcement mechanisms to achieve at least 90% compliance with Smoke-Free Environment (SFE) and Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS) regulations.
The inspections were jointly implemented by Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) and the Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority (AAFDA), Kolfe Keranio Branch, in line with the Food and Medicine Administration Proclamation No. 1112/2019.
A total of 36 public-serving establishments, including restaurants and cafés, were inspected. The exercise focused on assessing compliance with smoke-free regulations, including the presence of active smoking, visibility of “No Smoking” signage, and any evidence of tobacco advertising or promotional materials. Standardized inspection tools were used to ensure consistency, transparency, and accountability throughout the process.
As a result, 18 establishments were issued written warnings for non-compliance, accompanied by on-site corrective guidance. The findings indicate a moderate level of compliance, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and enforcement to achieve full regulatory adherence.
The activity also contributed to increased awareness among business owners and staff regarding tobacco control regulations. In several cases, immediate corrective actions were observed, including the removal of ashtrays and commitments to enforce smoke-free rules within premises. Strengthened collaboration between MCDO and AAFDA was also noted as a key outcome of the joint implementation.
However, the exercise also revealed several operational challenges, including restrictions on paper-based enforcement tools due to ongoing smart city transitions, absence of responsible managers during inspections, and information leakage between establishments, which affected the element of surprise in enforcement activities.
Moving forward, the program will focus on follow-up inspections, improved coordination mechanisms, and the introduction of digital inspection tools aligned with the smart city system. Strengthening accountability and ensuring the presence of responsible personnel during inspections will also be prioritized.
These efforts are expected to further enhance enforcement effectiveness and contribute to the broader goal of achieving a smoke-free Addis Ababa through sustained compliance with SFE and TAPS regulations.

UBAACM Movement Launched at Hawassa University: "Healthy Mind = Education Quality = Sustainable Success''
2026-03-31 | Hawassa University
On March 31, 2026, we held an extraordinary and historic consultative and training forum at Hawassa University. The ‘University-Based Anti-Addiction Community Movement’ (UBAACM – 2018/2026) has officially been launched, with a significant number of students and members of the university community in attendance.
“Meqoamia – The Science of Addiction” Training
The lead trainer for the event was Mr. Elias Kalayu, Executive Director of MCDO , Recovery coach, DDR Advocate and Author. Elias provided in-depth training based on his widely acclaimed book, “Meqoamia – The Science of Addiction” (4th Edition).
The training focused on key pillars:

Healthy Mind: The scientific nature of addiction and its impact on the brain.
Education Quality: The vital role of drug-free students in maintaining high educational standards.
Sustainable Success: How to navigate a successful life journey by preventing addiction.

Objectives of the Movement
Initiated and coordinated by MCDO, the 2018/2026 UBAACM movement aims to prevent drug abuse among university students, raise awareness, and build capacity through skill-based interventions.
The level of student participation and their readiness for change during the event was highly encouraging for the movement’s future. The motto “Healthy Mind = Education Quality = Sustainable Success” was embraced by all participants as a shared vision.
Finally, on behalf of MCDO, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Hawassa University administration and all participating students for making this program a success.
MCDO -Meqoamia Community Development Organization March 31, 2026

Sub-city Tobacco Control Integration Workshops with Arada, Lideta, Kirkos, Gullele, and Kolfe-Keranio Sub-cities Cabinets, in Addis Ababa
2026-04-06 08:00 - 2026-04-08 17:00 | Tracon Addis Hotel,
Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) News
Tracon Addis Hotel, Addis Ababa March 6, 2026 Kirkos Sub-City

As part of the project titled “Support the achievement of 90% compliance with Smoke-Free Environment (SFE) regulations and effective enforcement of Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS) bans in Addis Ababa,” Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) conducted Sub-city Tobacco Control Integration Workshops with cabinet members of Arada, Lideta, Kirkos, Gullele, and Kolfe-Keranio sub-cities. These workshops were organized under Strategy 1.1, which aims to strengthen political engagement and administrative commitment for integrating tobacco control measures into local governance systems.
The workshops brought together sub-city cabinet members, representatives from the Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority (AAFDA), enforcement bodies, health officials, and other relevant stakeholders. The primary objective of the sessions was to strengthen understanding of Ethiopia’s Food and Medicine Administration Proclamation No. 1112/2019 and its provisions related to 100% Smoke-Free Environments (SFE) and the comprehensive ban on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS). Participants discussed the current status of tobacco control implementation within their respective sub-cities and identified existing enforcement gaps, particularly in hospitality venues such as bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and lounges. During the workshops, participants collaboratively mapped enforcement responsibilities among sub-city departments and designated focal persons responsible for coordinating tobacco control activities at the local level. Emphasis was placed on aligning SFE and TAPS enforcement with existing sub-city inspection and regulatory systems, including routine inspections carried out by code enforcement teams, health inspectors, and other municipal regulatory units. This integration approach was designed to ensure that tobacco control enforcement becomes part of the regular administrative and regulatory framework rather than a stand-alone activity.

"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
2026-05-15 | Elilly International Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Bole, Ethiopia
PRESS RELEASE
ORGANIZERS: 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).
This National Event lead by EFDA.
HEADLINE: “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
ADDIS ABABA – May 15, 2026
In 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.
The 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.
FOUNDATIONAL VISION: THE MCDO PREVENTION PHILOSOPHY
At 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:

“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

This 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.
Guarding Ethiopia’s Intellectual Wealth: The Core Philosophy
Delivering 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:
By 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.”
STAGGERING STATISTICS & THE NEW THREAT: E-CIGARETTES (VAPE)
During the joint press conference, the coalition shared critical data outlining both progress and alarming new vulnerabilities in public health:

The 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.

Progress 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.

The 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.

Ethiopia 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.

EXPANDING IMPACT: MCDO’S LOCAL AND NATIONAL TRIUMPHS
To effectively counter these threats, MCDO and its partners announced major milestones and strategic expansions for 2026:

Driving 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%.

100% 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.

Sustaining 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.

A UNIFIED CALL TO ACTION: A BATTLE FOR EVERY CITIZEN
The press conference concluded with a resolute, collective call to action from all co-organizers:

To 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.

To 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.

Closing Manifesto: “Let us unmask the appeal and save the generation! Together, let us hold hands to build a healthy, tobacco-free, and thriving Ethiopia!”

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