Meqoamia

Advocacy meeting with officials of the city administration (mayor’s office)
2025-02-28 08:00 - 2025-03-20 18:09 UTC
February 28, 2025; Harmony Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
This 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.
The 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.

Incorporating Kolfe Keranio sub city (KKSC) AAFDA branch, Community in the Tobacco Control Project.
2025-09-19 08:00 - 2025-10-02 17:00
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.

Strengthening Tobacco Control Implementation and Sustainability through CSO Engagement and Strategic Alignment.
2025-09-29 08:00 - 17:00
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.

High-level Advocacy Meetings with City Leadership, EFDA, AAFDA, and CSOs
2026-02-23 08:00 - 2026-04-08 14:00
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.

Targeted Daytime Inspections Conducted in Kolfe Keranio Sub-City to Strengthen Tobacco Control Enforcement
2026-03-12 - 2026-03-13 | Kolfi Keraniyo Sub city
March 12–13, 2026 | Kolfe Keranio Sub-City, Addis Ababa
Targeted 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.
The 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.
A 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.
As 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.
The 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.
However, 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.
Moving 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.
These 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.

Targeted Daytime Inspections Conducted in Kolfe Keranio Sub-City to Strengthen Tobacco Control Enforcement
2026-03-12 08:00 - 2026-03-13 17:00

Sub-city Tobacco Control Integration Workshops with Arada, Lideta, Kirkos, Gullele, and Kolfe-Keranio Sub-cities Cabinets, in Addis Ababa
2026-04-06 08:00 - 2026-04-08 17:00 | Tracon Addis Hotel,
Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) News
Tracon Addis Hotel, Addis Ababa March 6, 2026 Kirkos Sub-City

As 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.
The 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.

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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"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!”

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