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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Meqoamia
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DTSTART:20260101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260410
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260419
DTSTAMP:20260420T004416
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:20260420T004416
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
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