Meqoamia

Training for Health Inspectors and Enforcement Teams of Kolfe Keranio sub city, AAFDA branch
2026-04-10 - 2026-04-18
Capacity Building Training for Health Inspectors Conducted in Kolfe Keranio Sub-City
Under 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.
This 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.
In 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.
Following 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.
As one participant noted, “This training directly strengthens our day-to-day fieldwork and enhances our capacity to implement the new block-level approach.”
The 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.

From Arada to Five Addis Ababa Sub‑Cities: MCDO’s Expanding Collaborative Effort in Tobacco Control
2026-04-15 - 2026-05-31 | AddIs Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
By Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO)
📅 April 2026 | ⏱ 5 min read
Introduction
World No Tobacco Day, observed globally on May 31, is fast approaching. This year’s theme, set by the World Health Organization, is:
World No Tobacco Day 2026: ”Unmasking the Appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction”
”ለኒኮቲንና ለትምባሆ ሱስ አጋላጭ የሆኑ ስልቶችን እናጋልጥ!!”
The 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.
Meqoamia 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.
From One Sub‑City to Five: MCDO’s Expanding Footprint
Over 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:

Arada
Kirkos
Lideta
Gulele
Kolfe Keranio(newly added this project year)

This 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) .
“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.”
— Senior Program Coordinator, MCDO
The Ongoing Campaign: From Launch to Closing
The 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.
Key Activities and Status

Activity
Details
Status

Launch ceremony
3,000 participants (central) + 500 per sub‑city (11 sub‑cities)
Being finalized

Media professionals training
On tobacco harms and laws
Completed

City council members awareness session
Engaging lawmakers
Scheduled for April

School community training
12 forums for teachers and principals
Ongoing

Nighttime inspections
Night clubs, illegal tobacco vendors
Planned for 2 days

Youth mass sport event
Street‑level physical activity campaign
Planned for May

Model smoke‑free block visits
For council members and media
Early May

Note: 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.
Partnership with a Rehabilitation Center: A New Bridge
MCDO 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.
MCDO 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.
Strong Institutional Coordination: From Federal to Sub‑City Level
MCDO’s strength lies in its deep, multi‑level partnerships.

At 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.
At 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.
With 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.

Aligning with the Global Theme: Our Vision and Mission
This year’s theme – “Unmasking the Appeal” – directly aligns with MCDO’s mission to expose industry tactics and protect young people.

Our Vision:
To see a city free from tobacco smoke and a society free from tobacco.

Our Mission:
To 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.
By actively participating in this campaign, MCDO demonstrates its commitment to creating a tobacco‑free generation.
How You Can Get Involved
The success of this campaign depends on broad participation. You can contribute by:

Sharing information– Post this blog on your social media channels.
Volunteering– Join awareness activities in your neighborhood.
Respecting the law– Do not smoke in public places; encourage others to do the same.
Contacting us– If you are interested in funding or partnership opportunities, reach out to MCDO.

Conclusion
Meqoamia 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.
A smoke‑free Addis Ababa is our vision. Join us on this journey!
About MCDO
Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) is a community‑based organization operating in Addis Ababa, focusing on tobacco control, substance abuse prevention, and community health protection.
🌐 Website: https://meqoamia.org/
📧 Email: info@meqoamia.org
📞 Phone: +251-XXX-XXXX
Social Media Teaser (for sharing)
🚭 From Arada to five sub‑cities: MCDO’s expanding collaborative effort in tobacco control.
Read how we are participating in the 2026 World No Tobacco Day campaign.
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#MCDO #WorldNoTobaccoDay2026 #UnmaskTheAppeal #TobaccoFreeAddis

"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!”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PARTNERSHIPS, OR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
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