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X-WR-CALNAME:Meqoamia
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Meqoamia
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DTSTART:20260101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260223T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260408T140000
DTSTAMP:20260419T191848
CREATED:20260408T161927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T161927Z
UID:5195-1771833600-1775656800@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:High-level Advocacy Meetings with City Leadership\, EFDA\, AAFDA\, and CSOs
DESCRIPTION:Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) conducted a high-level advocacy meeting with key decision-makers\, including the Addis Ababa Mayor’s Office\, the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA)\, the Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority (AAFDA)\, the Police Commission\, Sub-city Administrators\, Sub-city key tobacco focal persons\, and leading civil society organizations. These meetings\, held in February 23\,2026\, aimed to strengthen political commitment and institutional coordination to achieve and sustain at least 90% compliance with Smoke-Free Environment (SFE) and Tobacco Advertising\, Promotion\, and Sponsorship (TAPS) provisions under Proclamation No. 1112/2019. During the sessions\, MCDO presented updated compliance data\, identified enforcement gaps particularly in the previous sub cities (namely Kirkos and Lideta) and proposed integrated joint inspection mechanisms under the Addis Ababa Smoke-Free Initiative on Kolfe-keranio\, Gullele\, and Arada sub cities.
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/high-level-advocacy-meetings-with-city-leadership-efda-aafda-and-csos/
CATEGORIES:Addis Ababa Tobacco Smoke-free Initiative (AATSFI),Advocacy,Ethiopia Tobacco smoke free imitative,Inspection,Tobacco
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Gemini_Generated_Image_lgh0mzlgh0mzlgh0.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260312T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260313T170000
DTSTAMP:20260419T191848
CREATED:20260418T181930Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260418T181930Z
UID:5253-1773302400-1773421200@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Targeted Daytime Inspections Conducted in Kolfe Keranio Sub-City to Strengthen Tobacco Control Enforcement
DESCRIPTION:March 12–13\, 2026 | Kolfe Keranio Sub-City\, Addis Ababa \nTargeted 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. \nThe 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. \nA 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. \nAs 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. \nThe 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. \nHowever\, 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. \nMoving 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. \nThese 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.
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/targeted-daytime-inspections-conducted-in-kolfe-keranio-sub-city-to-strengthen-tobacco-control-enforcement/
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery,Addis Ababa Tobacco Smoke-free Initiative (AATSFI),Advocacy,Drug Demand Reduction,Drug Prevention,Ethiopia Tobacco smoke free imitative,Inspection,Tobacco
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Kolfe-Keranio-Sub-City-to-Strengthen-Tobacco-Control-Enforcement.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260406T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260408T170000
DTSTAMP:20260419T191848
CREATED:20260408T122706Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T122706Z
UID:5172-1775462400-1775667600@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Sub-city Tobacco Control Integration Workshops with Arada\, Lideta\, Kirkos\, Gullele\, and Kolfe-Keranio Sub-cities Cabinets\, in Addis Ababa
DESCRIPTION:Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) News \nTracon Addis Hotel\, Addis Ababa March 6\, 2026 Kirkos Sub-City \n  \nAs 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. \nThe 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. \n 
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/sub-city-tobacco-control-integration-workshops-with-arada-lideta-kirkos-gullele-and-kolfe-keranio-sub-cities-cabinets-in-addis-ababa/
LOCATION:Tracon Addis Hotel\,
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addis Ababa Tobacco Smoke-free Initiative (AATSFI),Advocacy,Ethiopia Tobacco smoke free imitative,Inspection,Tobacco
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Sub-city-Tobacco-Control-Integration-Workshops-with-Arada-Lideta-Kirkos-Gullele-and-Kolfe-Keranio-Sub-cities-Cabinets.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260410
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260419
DTSTAMP:20260419T191848
CREATED:20260418T164613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260418T181007Z
UID:5247-1775779200-1776556799@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Training for Health Inspectors and Enforcement Teams of Kolfe Keranio sub city\, AAFDA branch
DESCRIPTION:Capacity Building Training for Health Inspectors Conducted in Kolfe Keranio Sub-City\nUnder the Addis Ababa Smoke-Free Initiative (AASFI)\, a one-day capacity-building training was successfully conducted for health inspectors in Kolfe Keranio Sub-City. The training was organized through the collaboration of the Addis Ababa Food and Drug Administration (AAFDA)\, Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO)\, and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK)\, with the aim of strengthening the implementation of tobacco control laws at the community level. \nThis initiative contributes to expanding the program’s reach and reinforcing smoke-free environment interventions across Addis Ababa. During the training\, participants gained practical and policy-oriented knowledge on tobacco control regulations\, inspection procedures\, field reporting\, and enforcement mechanisms. \nIn addition\, the “Block Organization” approach was introduced as a strategic model to create smoke-free environments. This approach focuses on organizing residential areas\, businesses\, and service providers within defined local clusters to effectively reduce exposure to tobacco smoke. \nFollowing the training\, field inspections will be conducted in selected woredas of the sub-city. These activities will support the establishment of model smoke-free blocks and strengthen local enforcement efforts. \nAs one participant noted\, “This training directly strengthens our day-to-day fieldwork and enhances our capacity to implement the new block-level approach.” \nThe program will continue to expand through ongoing capacity-building efforts and strengthened enforcement\, contributing to the broader goal of making Addis Ababa a smoke-free city.
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/training-for-health-inspectors-and-enforcement-teams-of-kolfe-keranio-sub-city-aafda-branch/
CATEGORIES:Addis Ababa Tobacco Smoke-free Initiative (AATSFI),Advocacy,Ethiopia Tobacco smoke free imitative,Inspection,Tobacco
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/photo_2026-04-18_19-22-51.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260415
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTSTAMP:20260419T191848
CREATED:20260419T173643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260419T173703Z
UID:5292-1776211200-1780271999@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:From Arada to Five Addis Ababa Sub‑Cities: MCDO’s Expanding Collaborative Effort in Tobacco Control
DESCRIPTION:By Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO)\n📅 April 2026 | ⏱ 5 min read \nIntroduction \nWorld No Tobacco Day\, observed globally on May 31\, is fast approaching. This year’s theme\, set by the World Health Organization\, is: \n World No Tobacco Day 2026:    ”Unmasking the Appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction” \n”ለኒኮቲንና ለትምባሆ ሱስ አጋላጭ የሆኑ ስልቶችን እናጋልጥ!!” \nThe 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. \nMeqoamia 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. \nFrom One Sub‑City to Five: MCDO’s Expanding Footprint \nOver 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: \n\nArada\nKirkos\nLideta\nGulele\nKolfe Keranio(newly added this project year)\n\nThis 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) . \n“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.”\n— Senior Program Coordinator\, MCDO \nThe Ongoing Campaign: From Launch to Closing \nThe 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. \nKey Activities and Status \n\n\n\nActivity\nDetails\nStatus\n\n\n\n\nLaunch ceremony\n3\,000 participants (central) + 500 per sub‑city (11 sub‑cities)\nBeing finalized\n\n\nMedia professionals training\nOn tobacco harms and laws\nCompleted\n\n\nCity council members awareness session\nEngaging lawmakers\nScheduled for April\n\n\nSchool community training\n12 forums for teachers and principals\nOngoing\n\n\nNighttime inspections\nNight clubs\, illegal tobacco vendors\nPlanned for 2 days\n\n\nYouth mass sport event\nStreet‑level physical activity campaign\nPlanned for May\n\n\nModel smoke‑free block visits\nFor council members and media\nEarly May\n\n\n\nNote: 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. \nPartnership with a Rehabilitation Center: A New Bridge \nMCDO 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. \nMCDO 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. \nStrong Institutional Coordination: From Federal to Sub‑City Level \nMCDO’s strength lies in its deep\, multi‑level partnerships. \n\nAt 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.\nAt 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.\nWith 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.\n\nAligning with the Global Theme: Our Vision and Mission \nThis year’s theme – “Unmasking the Appeal” – directly aligns with MCDO’s mission to expose industry tactics and protect young people. \n  \nOur Vision: \nTo see a city free from tobacco smoke and a society free from tobacco. \n  \nOur Mission: \nTo 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. \nBy actively participating in this campaign\, MCDO demonstrates its commitment to creating a tobacco‑free generation. \nHow You Can Get Involved \nThe success of this campaign depends on broad participation. You can contribute by: \n\nSharing information– Post this blog on your social media channels.\nVolunteering– Join awareness activities in your neighborhood.\nRespecting the law– Do not smoke in public places; encourage others to do the same.\nContacting us– If you are interested in funding or partnership opportunities\, reach out to MCDO.\n\nConclusion \nMeqoamia 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. \nA smoke‑free Addis Ababa is our vision. Join us on this journey! \nAbout MCDO \nMeqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) is a community‑based organization operating in Addis Ababa\, focusing on tobacco control\, substance abuse prevention\, and community health protection. \n🌐 Website: https://meqoamia.org/\n📧 Email: info@meqoamia.org\n📞 Phone: +251-XXX-XXXX \nSocial Media Teaser (for sharing) \n🚭 From Arada to five sub‑cities: MCDO’s expanding collaborative effort in tobacco control.\nRead how we are participating in the 2026 World No Tobacco Day campaign.\n👉 [Read the full blog]\n#MCDO #WorldNoTobaccoDay2026 #UnmaskTheAppeal #TobaccoFreeAddis \n 
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/from-arada-to-five-addis-ababa-sub-cities-mcdos-expanding-collaborative-effort-in-tobacco-control/
LOCATION:AddIs Ababa\, Addis Ababa\, Ethiopia
CATEGORIES:Addiction Recovery,Addis Ababa Tobacco Smoke-free Initiative (AATSFI),Advocacy,Drug Demand Reduction,Drug Prevention,Ethiopia Tobacco smoke free imitative,Inspection,Tobacco
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MCDO-with-AAFDA.png
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