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DTSTART:20190101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260515
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260516
DTSTAMP:20260616T222033
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250929T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250929T170000
DTSTAMP:20260616T222033
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;VALUE=DATE:20240328
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240428
DTSTAMP:20260616T222033
CREATED:20240427T142947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240427T142947Z
UID:4915-1711584000-1714262399@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Dire Dawa Tobacco Smoke free Initiative.
DESCRIPTION: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
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/dire-dawa-tobacco-smoke-free-initiative/
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery,Advocacy,Dire Dawa Tobacco Smoke free Initiative.,Inspection,Tobacco,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/s1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190419
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190426
DTSTAMP:20260616T222033
CREATED:20260417T101548Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T101548Z
UID:5238-1555632000-1556236799@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:TRAINING OF TRAINERS FOR ETHIOPIA ON THE UNIVERSAL CURRICULUM FOR PREVENTION/TREATMENT OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
DESCRIPTION:Addiction is a disease! \nJust as an individual can fall ill\, so too can a community. When an individual is physically sick\, their body is affected. Similarly\, when a community is sick\, its social fabric is disrupted. And when that happens\, the nation itself becomes ill. \nStudies suggest that an individual’s psychological\, physical\, and spiritual pain can transform into social\, economic\, and political suffering. For this reason\, social scientists rank addiction among the most serious afflictions capable of causing severe harm. \nAddiction takes control of the sufferer’s brain and distorts its natural functioning. The individual falls under the sway of a distorted mental system\, driven by an overwhelming and uncontrollable craving – they become enslaved. When a person who uses drugs or alcohol crosses the line from use to addiction\, the damage escalates. Beyond the harm to their internal organs and mental health\, their social and economic life collapses. This inflicts a severe blow on the family\, the foundation of the nation. The cumulative effect destabilizes the country. Yet\, despite its gravity\, this disease has long been neglected\, without the attention it deserves. \nThis disease is not only an enemy to the peace of individuals and families; studies also indicate that it can undermine national peace\, cripple the economy\, and lead to political instability. \nAddiction is preventable and treatable! \nTherefore\, treating this disease like any other – through medical care\, rehabilitation\, prevention\, and the enactment and enforcement of protective laws – can lay a foundation to save the nation from severe harm and propel the younger generation toward greater development. \nTo date\, the scale\, depth\, and spread of the problem\, and the immense damage it has caused\, remain astronomically far from our efforts to overcome and control it – a gap as vast as heaven and earth. \nIt is known that for the past ten years\, Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) has been working to address the severe shortage of professionals in this field and to elevate national efforts to a higher level\, both domestically and continentally. We are grateful for the government’s initial attention to this issue. However\, we urge that this attention be strengthened\, in the name of children suffering because a parent or guardian is lost to addiction\, and in the name of mothers and guardians who have lost their children to this disease. A nation is its people! \nTo work more effectively and in a more coordinated manner than ever before\, MCDO – in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Colombo Plan’s Drug Advisory Programme (DAP)\, which has 70 years of international recognition and works with the African Union\, the US\, the EU\, the UN\, and others – has been learning from the experiences of other countries and attending training programs abroad. MCDO has organized itself with up-to-date knowledge and\, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health\, has provided internationally recognized training to help save our continent\, Africa\, from the drug problem. \nIn this context\, MCDO staff members\, including Mr. Elias Kalayu (Executive Director) and Ms. Sara Deguma\, together with Ministry of Health representatives (including Dr. Tedla W/giworgis)\, regional health bureau disease prevention directorate officers\, and other professionals – a total of 31 trainees – participated in the ” Training of Trainers (TOT) for Ethiopia on the Universal Curriculum for Prevention/Treatment of Substance Use Disorders (UPC 1\, UTC 1)” from March 19-25\, 2019. This training was delivered for the first time in Ethiopia. \nMCDO played a commendable role as organizer and coordinator\, contributing to a highly successful training period. Five MCDO staff members were trained as trainers of trainers and received certificates of recognition. \nWe believe this training will greatly benefit our nation. By effectively training professionals in the still-nascent fields of prevention and rehabilitation\, it will strengthen ongoing efforts across all regions and levels. It will foster hopeful\, impactful action toward a solution. Equally\, we believe this creates a valuable opportunity – a supportive army of trainers within the health sector – to ensure addiction receives greater attention. \nAddiction is preventable and treatable! \nOur nation has no greater resource than the minds and hearts of its citizens. \nTherefore\, we wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Colombo Plan DAP for this remarkable and transformative training. \nThank you very much\, #MoH and #Colombo Plan DAP (US\, INL).
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/training-of-trainers-for-ethiopia-on-the-universal-curriculum-for-prevention-treatment-of-substance-use-disorders/
LOCATION:Cherchil Hotel\, Addis Ababa\, Bole\, Ethiopia
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery,Advocacy,Dire Dawa Tobacco Smoke free Initiative.,Drug Demand Reduction,Drug Prevention,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Colombo-plan-DAP-ToT.png
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