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X-WR-CALNAME:Meqoamia
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://meqoamia.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Meqoamia
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DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250228T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250320T180938
DTSTAMP:20260418T185955
CREATED:20250320T180938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T180938Z
UID:5024-1740729600-1742494178@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Advocacy meeting with officials of the city administration (mayor’s office)
DESCRIPTION:February 28\, 2025; Harmony Hotel\, Addis Ababa\, Ethiopia \nThis report summarizes the outcomes of the Advocacy Meeting held for the Tobacco Control (TC) Project\, attended by representatives from the Mayor’s Office\, EFDA\, AAFDA\, and the sub-cities of Arada\, Kirkos\, Lideta\, and Gullele\, along with MCDO. The primary objective of the meeting was to strengthen political commitment and support for the TC Project amidst ongoing urban development initiatives. The meeting was organized into three sections: an introduction and recap of previous meetings\, presentations from MCDO\, AAFDA\, and representatives from Gullele and Arada sub-cities\, and a stakeholders discussion aimed at addressing key issues and formulating actionable strategies. \nThe meeting produced several important outcomes. First\, stakeholder discussions were essential in identifying key issues affecting the TC Project. Participants evaluated the current political commitment towards the project\, highlighting the need for sustained support from the City Administration. A significant concern raised was regarding the recent Corridor Development implemented by the City Administration\, which has led to the relocation or closure of many establishments\, necessitating an urgent assessment of its impact on tobacco control efforts. The last meeting underscored the critical need for renewed political commitment to the TC Project amidst ongoing urban development initiatives. Future priorities emphasized the importance of prioritizing communication\, integrating tobacco control measures in educational institutions\, and enhancing awareness through effective materials.
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/advocacy-meeting-with-officials-of-the-city-administration-mayors-office/
CATEGORIES:Addiction Recovery,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/2025/03/photo_2025-03-20_11-01-55.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250919T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251002T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T185955
CREATED:20251002T135829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T110618Z
UID:5113-1758268800-1759424400@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Incorporating Kolfe Keranio sub city (KKSC) AAFDA branch\, Community in the Tobacco Control Project.
DESCRIPTION:The September 19\, 2025\, meeting between AAFDA\, Kolfe Keranio sub city (KKSC) AAFDA branch\, and MCDO marked the official inclusion of KKSC in the Tobacco Control (TC) Project. The primary goals are to create smoke-free zones\, engage youth in prevention efforts\, and address illicit cigarette trade. Three blocks within KKSC will be designated as smoke-free\, and youth will be actively involved in anti-smoking campaigns and prevention training. These initiatives aim to reduce smoking rates\, particularly among younger populations\, and foster healthier\, tobacco-free environments in the community. To ensure long-term success\, the project will focus on community ownership and sustainability through capacity building and local leadership AAFDA\, MCDO and KKSC AAFDA branch\, which has created a donor account to support the initiative\, are committed to providing continuous resources and training. The meeting also highlighted the importance of integrating drug prevention training as part of the broader health education efforts in KK. This comprehensive approach is designed to create a lasting impact on public health\, with KK serving as a model for other communities.
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/incorporating-kolfe-keranio-sub-city-kksc-aafda-branch-community-in-the-tobacco-control-project/
CATEGORIES:Addiction Recovery,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/2025/10/photo_2025-10-03_14-03-58.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250929T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250929T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T185955
CREATED:20251001T180747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T180800Z
UID:5110-1759132800-1759165200@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Strengthening Tobacco Control Implementation and Sustainability through CSO Engagement and Strategic Alignment.
DESCRIPTION:On September 29\, 2025\, a coordination meeting was held at the MCDO Office with key stakeholders\, including MWECS\, HDAMA\, CTFK\, and MCDO\, to discuss the Tobacco Control (TC) Project’s progress and strategy for sustainability. Key topics included reviewing the integration of the block structure with TC implementation\, enhancing multi-stakeholder collaboration\, and addressing the project’s current dormant phase. Despite limited resources\, CSOs\, especially CTFK\, have made significant contributions\, and the importance of diversifying funding sources was emphasized. To ensure long-term sustainability\, the group recommended mainstreaming TC inspections into health systems\, developing context-specific tools\, and aiming for 85% activity implementation by November 2025. A joint advocacy event will be organized with MWECS and MCDO to engage key government officials\, ensuring stronger institutional support for the TC project. Moving forward\, revitalizing the project through strategic planning\, partnerships\, and resource mobilization is essential to achieving its goals.
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/strengthening-tobacco-control-implementation-and-sustainability-through-cso-engagement-and-strategic-alignment/
CATEGORIES:Addis Ababa Tobacco Smoke-free Initiative (AATSFI),Advocacy,Dire Dawa Tobacco Smoke free Initiative.,Ethiopia Tobacco smoke free imitative,Inspection,Tobacco
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/photo_2025-10-01_21-01-00.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260223T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260408T140000
DTSTAMP:20260418T185955
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:20260418T185955
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:20260418T185955
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260410
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260419
DTSTAMP:20260418T185955
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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