BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Meqoamia - ECPv5.12.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Meqoamia
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://meqoamia.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Meqoamia
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20190101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260515
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260516
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260401
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
CREATED:20260408T152458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T152458Z
UID:5183-1774915200-1775001599@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:UBAACM Movement Launched at Hawassa University: "Healthy Mind = Education Quality = Sustainable Success''
DESCRIPTION:On March 31\, 2026\, we held an extraordinary and historic consultative and training forum at Hawassa University. The ‘University-Based Anti-Addiction Community Movement’ (UBAACM – 2018/2026) has officially been launched\, with a significant number of students and members of the university community in attendance. \n“Meqoamia – The Science of Addiction” Training\nThe lead trainer for the event was Mr. Elias Kalayu\, Executive Director of MCDO  \, Recovery coach\, DDR Advocate and Author. Elias provided in-depth training based on his widely acclaimed book\, “Meqoamia – The Science of Addiction” (4th Edition). \nThe training focused on key pillars: \n\nHealthy Mind: The scientific nature of addiction and its impact on the brain.\nEducation Quality: The vital role of drug-free students in maintaining high educational standards.\nSustainable Success: How to navigate a successful life journey by preventing addiction.\n\nObjectives of the Movement\nInitiated and coordinated by MCDO\, the 2018/2026 UBAACM movement aims to prevent drug abuse among university students\, raise awareness\, and build capacity through skill-based interventions. \nThe level of student participation and their readiness for change during the event was highly encouraging for the movement’s future. The motto “Healthy Mind = Education Quality = Sustainable Success” was embraced by all participants as a shared vision. \nFinally\, on behalf of MCDO\, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Hawassa University administration and all participating students for making this program a success. \nMCDO -Meqoamia Community Development Organization March 31\, 2026
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/ubaacm-movement-launched-at-hawassa-university-healthy-mind-education-quality-sustainable-success/
LOCATION:Hawassa University
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery,Drug Demand Reduction,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/photo_2026-04-08_17-48-26.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250602
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250607
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
CREATED:20260410T134032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T134032Z
UID:5224-1748822400-1749254399@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Elias Kalayu and Sara Deguma Complete AU Master Trainers’ Training on Youth Drug Prevention in Seychelles
DESCRIPTION:Victoria\, Seychelles – From June 2–6\, 2025\, the African Union (AU) hosted the “Training of Master Trainers for University-Based Youth Engagement in Drug Prevention” in Victoria\, Seychelles. Representing MCDO (Meqoamia Community Development Organization)\, Mr. Elias Kalayu Abrha and Ms. Sara Deguma successfully participated in and completed the training. \nThe training was jointly organized by the African Union Commission (AUC)\, the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP)\, and the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). Recognizing that over 60% of Africa’s population is under 25\, the program aimed to scale up evidence‑based\, youth‑centered\, peer‑led prevention interventions in tertiary institutions across the continent. \nKey topics covered included: \n\n\nUnderstanding Substance Use Disorder \n\n\nPeer‑led prevention strategies \n\n\nCulturally appropriate intervention tools \n\n\nMr. Elias Kalayu stated: *“This training is a major boost for our University Based Anti-Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM)\, which we have been running in Ethiopian universities for over 15 years. The knowledge and skills we gained will significantly contribute not only to our country but also to continental drug prevention efforts.”* \nMCDO extends its gratitude to the African Union\, Colombo Plan DAP\, and US INL for this invaluable opportunity. The organization is committed to rolling out the learned models across multiple Ethiopian universities in the coming months to build a sustainable\, community‑driven prevention movement. \n  \nርዕስ፦ የኤልያስ ካልአዩ እና ሣራ ድጉማ በአፍሪካ ህብረት የወጣቶች አደገኛ ዕጽ መከላከል የማስተር አሰልጣኞች ስልጠና ተሳታፊዎች ሆኑ። \nቪክቶሪያ፣ ሲሸልስ – ከጁን 2–6፣ 2025 በሲሸልስ ውቅያኖስ ዳርቻ በተካሄደው የአፍሪካ ህብረት (AU) “Training of Master Trainers for University-Based Youth Engagement in Drug Prevention” መርሃ ግብር ላይ፣ የMCDO (Meqoamia Community Development Organization) ተወካዮች የሆኑት አቶ ኤልያስ ካልአዩ አብርሃ እና ወይዘሮ ሣራ ድጉማ ተሳታፊ በመሆን ስልጠናውን አጠናቀዋል። \nይህ ስልጠና በአፍሪካ ህብረት ኮሚሽን (AUC)፣ በኮሎምቦ ፕላን ዕጽ አማካሪ ፕሮግራም (Colombo Plan DAP)፣ እና በUS INL (Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs) በጋራ የተደራጀ ነበር። ስልጠናው ከ60% በላይ ወጣቶች ከአጠቃላይ ህዝብ ቁጥር የሚይዙት አህጉራዊ እውነታን መሰረት ያደረገ ሲሆን፣ ዋና ዓላማው በዩኒቨርሲቲዎች ውስጥ ተማሪዎችን ማእከል ያደረጉ፣ በማስረጃ ላይ የተመሰረቱ የመከላከል ፕሮግራሞችን ማስፋፋት ነበር። \nበስልጠናው ወቅት የተሸፈኑ ዋና ዋና ጭብጦች፦ \n\n\nየአደገኛ ዕጽ አጠቃቀም ዲስኦርደር (Substance Use Disorder) ግንዛቤ \n\n\nበወጣቶች የሚመራ የአቻ ትምህርት (peer-led) የመከላከል ስልቶች \n\n\nከአፍሪካ ባህል ጋር የሚስማሙ የጣልቃ ገብነት መሳሪያዎች \n\n\nኤልያስ ካልአዩ እንዳሉት፦ *“ይህ ስልጠና በኢትዮጵያ ዩኒቨርሲቲዎች ውስጥ ለ13 ዓመታት በላይ ስንሰራው ለነበረው University Based Anti-Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM) ትልቅ መነቃቃት ነው። የተማርነው እውቀት እና ክህሎት በአገራችን ብቻ ሳይሆን በአጠቃላይ አህጉራዊ የመከላከል ጥረት ላይ ከፍተኛ አስተዋጽኦ ይኖረዋል።”* \nMCDO ለአፍሪካ ህብረት፣ ለኮሎምቦ ፕላን DAP እና ለUS INL ይህን ትልቅ እድል በመስጠታቸው ምስጋናውን ይገልጻል። ድርጅቱ የተማረውን በመጪዎቹ ወራት በኢትዮጵያ በርካታ ዩኒቨርሲቲዎች ውስጥ በማሰማራት ዘላቂ ማህበረሰብ አቀፍ ንቅናቄ ለመፍጠር ቆርጧል።
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/elias-kalayu-and-sara-deguma-complete-au-master-trainers-training-on-youth-drug-prevention-in-seychelles/
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery,Drug Demand Reduction,Drug Prevention,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AU3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250414T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250514T170000
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
CREATED:20250507T092222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T092434Z
UID:5032-1744617600-1747242000@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Mekelle - University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM) 2025
DESCRIPTION:Exciting progress in the fight against substance abuse! We had a highly effective strategic-level meeting on April 14th\, 2025\, at Yoha Hotel in Mekelle City\, focusing on the National Higher Education anti-drug movement. Key discussions centered around substance abuse and drug demand reduction (DDR) initiatives at Mekelle University\, under the umbrella of the University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM) 2025.The UBAACM 2025 motto\, ‘A healthy brain is the foundation for learning\, teaching\, and a thriving society!‘\, underscores the importance of this work. This vital initiative is organized through the collaborative efforts of EFDA\, MCDO\, MoE\, and Mekelle University (MKU).We’re proud of the long-standing partnership between MKU and MCDO\, working together for over 10 years with UBAACM to combat substance abuse#AntiDrugMovement #HigherEducation #MekelleUniversity#Meqoamiacommunitydevelopemntorganaziton #UBAACM2025 #SubstanceAbuseAwareness #DrugDemandReduction #EFDA #MCDO #MoE #EFDA #PartnershipForGood 
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/mekelle-university-based-anti-addiction-community-movement-ubaacm-2025/
LOCATION:Yoha hotel\, Mekelle
CATEGORIES:University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/491942730_1088116403351063_4152169915440946988_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250414T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250414T170000
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
CREATED:20250507T095426Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T100057Z
UID:5049-1744617600-1744650000@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Jimma - University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM) 2025.
DESCRIPTION:Exciting progress in the fight against substance abuse! We had an effective strategic-level meeting on April 14\, 2025\, at Hole land Hotel\, Jimma City\, as part of the National Higher Education Anti-Drug Movement. Discussions centered on drug demand reduction (DDR) within Jimma University\, under the umbrella of the University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM) 2025.\n \n\n\nThe initiative\, with the powerful motto: “A healthy brain is the foundation for learning\, teaching\, and a thriving society!”\, is a collaborative effort organized by EFDA\, MCDO\, MoE\, and Jimma University. We are committed to fostering a healthy and productive academic environment.\n\n\n#Ethiopia #MoE #HigherEducation #EFDA #AntiDrugMovement #2025 #DDR #JimmaUniversity #Meqoamia #MCDO #SubstanceAbusePrevention #UBAACM #HealthyBrain\n#National_Higher_Education_Institutions_Anti_Drugs_Movement\n\n\n#አገር_አቀፍ_የከፍተኛ_ትምህርት_ተቋማት_የፀረ_አደገኛ_ዕፆች_ንቅናቄ\n#ጤናማ_አንጎል_ለመማር_ማስተማሩ_ስኬት_እና_ለጤናማ_ማህበረሰብ_መሰረት_ነው!!\n\n\n#Drug_Demand_Reduction #DDR\n#Drugfreestudents #Tobaccofreecampas\n#Publichealth\n#Uuniversity_based_anti_addiction_movement#UBAACM #Discussion #Strategic_level_meeting\n#AntiAddictioncommunitymovement\n#Jimma_university\n#Meqoamia\n#EFDA #MOE #MCDO\n#2025 #2017 #Ethiopia #Africa
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/jimma-university-based-anti-addiction-community-movement-ubaacm-2025-3/
LOCATION:Hole land Hotel\, Jimma
CATEGORIES:University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/photo_2025-04-15_23-25-11.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250414T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250414T170000
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
CREATED:20250507T095027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T095027Z
UID:5046-1744617600-1744650000@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Jimma -University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM) 2025.
DESCRIPTION:Exciting progress in the fight against substance abuse! We had an effective strategic-level meeting on April 14\, 2025\, at Hole land Hotel\, Jimma City\, as part of the National Higher Education Anti-Drug Movement. Discussions centered on drug demand reduction (DDR) within Jimma University\, under the umbrella of the University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM) 2025.\n \n\n\nThe initiative\, with the powerful motto: “A healthy brain is the foundation for learning\, teaching\, and a thriving society!”\, is a collaborative effort organized by EFDA\, MCDO\, MoE\, and Jimma University. We are committed to fostering a healthy and productive academic environment.\n\n\n#Ethiopia #MoE #HigherEducation #EFDA #AntiDrugMovement #2025 #DDR #JimmaUniversity #Meqoamia #MCDO #SubstanceAbusePrevention #UBAACM #HealthyBrain\n#National_Higher_Education_Institutions_Anti_Drugs_Movement\n\n\n#አገር_አቀፍ_የከፍተኛ_ትምህርት_ተቋማት_የፀረ_አደገኛ_ዕፆች_ንቅናቄ\n#ጤናማ_አንጎል_ለመማር_ማስተማሩ_ስኬት_እና_ለጤናማ_ማህበረሰብ_መሰረት_ነው!!\n\n\n#Drug_Demand_Reduction #DDR\n#Drugfreestudents #Tobaccofreecampas\n#Publichealth\n#Uuniversity_based_anti_addiction_movement#UBAACM #Discussion #Strategic_level_meeting\n#AntiAddictioncommunitymovement\n#Jimma_university\n#Meqoamia\n#EFDA #MOE #MCDO\n#2025 #2017 #Ethiopia #Africa\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n\n “መቋሚያ” Peer Recovery support group and 4 others \n\n\n\n \n 
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/jimma-university-based-anti-addiction-community-movement-ubaacm-2025-2/
CATEGORIES:University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/photo_2025-04-08_08-46-57.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250402T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250414T170000
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
CREATED:20250507T100805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T101006Z
UID:5053-1743580800-1744650000@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM) in 2025
DESCRIPTION:“A healthy brain is the foundation for learning\, teaching\, and a thriving society!” \n \n\n\nThat’s the driving force behind the University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM) in 2025! We just had a powerful strategic meeting\, bringing together university and community leaders to boost drug demand reduction (DDR); Prevention and intervention across 8 universities: Jimma University\, Haramaya University\, Dire Dawa University\, Jigjiga University\, Bahrdar University\, Hawasa University\, Mekelle University\, and Arbamnichi University .\n\n\nLet’s build healthier futures together!\n\n\n#HealthyBrain #HigherEd #CommunityAction #UBAACM #EFDA #MoE #MoH #Meqoamia-መቋሚያ #HU #AU #MU #BU #HaU
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/university-based-anti-addiction-community-movement-ubaacm-in-2025/
CATEGORIES:University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/photo_2025-04-13_04-13-36.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240626T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240702T170000
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
CREATED:20240702T175540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240702T175540Z
UID:4938-1719388800-1719939600@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. At Addis Ababa Ethiopia
DESCRIPTION:“The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”\nThe global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. From individuals struggling with substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organized crime\, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex. Central to addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritizes prevention and treatment. \n\nStatistic: Over 3 million annual deaths due to alcohol and drug use (Source: WHO 2024 report)\nKey Point: Substance abuse is a significant global public health problem.\nRaise awareness: Increase understanding of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of evidence-based prevention strategies\, emphasizing their impact on mitigating the harms of drug use.\n\n\nAdvocate for investment: Encourage greater investment in prevention efforts by governments\, policymakers\, and law enforcement professionals\, highlighting the long-term benefits of early intervention and prevention.\nEmpower communities: Equip communities with the tools and resources to implement evidence-based prevention initiatives\, fostering resilience against drug use and promoting community-led solutions.\nFacilitate dialogue and collaboration: Promote dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders to enhance evidence-based prevention practices and policies\, fostering a supportive environment for knowledge sharing and innovation.\nPromote evidence-based policymaking: Advocate for evidence-based policymaking at the national and international levels\, ensuring that drug policies are grounded in scientific research and informed by best practices.\nEngage communities: Raise awareness about the importance of community engagement and participation in designing and implementing effective drug prevention programs\, empowering communities to take ownership of prevention efforts.\nEmpower youth: Provide youth with the knowledge\, skills\, and resources to become agents of change in their communities\, advocating for drug prevention initiatives and amplifying their voices in the conversation.\nPromote international cooperation: Foster international cooperation and collaboration among governments\, organizations\, and communities to develop and implement evidence-based strategies for combating drug trafficking and organized crime\, recognizing the global nature of the drug problem and the need for coordinated action.                                                               sources :- https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/drugs/index-new.html
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/international-day-against-drug-abuse-and-illicit-trafficking-at-addis-ababa-ethiopia/
LOCATION:mogenoria Hotel
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/photo_2024-07-02_06-47-09.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240328
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240428
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
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;TZID=UTC:20240304T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240304T170000
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
CREATED:20240427T192408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240427T192419Z
UID:4921-1709539200-1709571600@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Support AAFMHACA\, EFDA\, and other law enforcement officials with daytime inspection and SF enforcement visits in Arada and Kirkos sub-cities selected districts: – March 4 and 5\, 2024 - Arada and Kirkos Sub Cities
DESCRIPTION:This grant report summarizes the night inspections conducted in Gullele and Lideta sub-cities\, focusing on the outcomes and actions taken during the inspection process. March 4 and 5\, 2024\, night time inspection was conducted in Gullele and Lideta sub-cities. This inspection is the third night time inspection to be conducted among the four inspections planned in the 21-months project. A thorough orientation was given to district professionals and focal persons on March 1\, 2024. A thorough discussion were raised concerning legal measurement due to the nature of night inspection considering safety and legal measure execution. The inspections aimed to ensure compliance with regulations and promote a safe and conducive environment for residents and visitors. The outcomes of the night inspections underscore the importance of enforcing regulations and holding establishments accountable for compliance with guidelines. Continued monitoring and enforcement efforts are essential to maintain standards and promote a safe and healthy environment in Gullele and Lideta sub-cities. This report highlights the significance of night inspections in upholding regulations\, ensuring compliance\, and fostering a culture of accountability among establishments in Gullele and Lideta sub-cities. Continued vigilance and enforcement will be crucial in sustaining a safe and compliant environment for all residents and visitors
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/support-aafmhaca-efda-and-other-law-enforcement-officials-with-daytime-inspection-and-sf-enforcement-visits-in-arada-and-kirkos-sub-cities-selected-districts-march-4-and-5-2024-arada-a/
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery,Addis Ababa Tobacco Smoke-free Initiative (AATSFI),Advocacy,Inspection,Tobacco,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/s3-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230228
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230302
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
CREATED:20230316T103505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230316T103505Z
UID:4666-1677542400-1677715199@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:capacity building -  staff training
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/capacity-building-staff-training/
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addis Ababa Tobacco Smoke-free Initiative (AATSFI),Advocacy,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/photo_2023-03-16_10-32-36.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191231
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20200101
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
CREATED:20211201T154701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211201T155255Z
UID:4378-1577750400-1577836799@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement /UBAACM/ - No tobacco day May 31\,2019
DESCRIPTION:University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement /UBAACM/ \n“ዩኒርስቲዎችን መሰረት ያደረገ የፀረ አደገኛ እፆች ማህበረሰብ አቀፍ ንቅናቄ ”\nNo tobacco day May 31\,2019\nአለም አቀፍ የትንባሆ የማይጨስበት ቀን ምክንያት በማድረግ በአዲስ አበባ ዩኒቨርሲቲ የተዘጋጀ መድረክ። \nምስጋና \nይሄ ትውልድ በአገሩ ኢትዮጵያ በመጭው ትውልድ የሚታወስበትን አሻራ አስቀመጠ!! ሃውልት አቆመ! \nየምግብ መድሃኔት ቁጥጥርና አስተዳደር አዋጅ ቁጥር 1112 መውጣት ከጠቅላላ ህዝባችን 71% ከ30 አመት በታች 41% ደግሞ ከ15አመት በታች በሆነባት አገር በአንድም በሌላ መንገድም ባለ አዲስ ነገሮችን ለማወቅ በሚነሳሳ የታዳጊ ወጣቶች ፍላጎት በቢራ ማስታወቂያዎች ገደብ ያጣ ሳቢና አጓጊ ማራኪ ማስታወቂያዎች ተነሳስተው ምን ያህሎች መጠጣት እንደ ጀመሩና እንደሚጀምሩ በየአካባቢያችን ያለውን ጫና መገመት አይከብደንም። \nስለሆነም የትንባሆ አጠቃቀምም ገደብና ቁጥጥር ባለመኖሩ ምክንያት የብዙሃኑ መብት ከመጣስ ባለፋ የሁለተኛ ደረጃ የትንባሆ ጢስ ተጠቂ ብዙዎቻችን ሁነን ቆይተናል።\nበመሆኑም በትንባሆ ተጠቃሚዎች ተጠቃሚነት መብታችን ተጥሶ የነበረው የሁለተኛ ደረጃ ተጠቂዎች መብታችንን የሚያስከብረው አዋጅ 1112 ድንጋጌ መውጣት እንደ መቋሚያ የማህበረሰብ ልማት ድርጅት ደስታችን ላቅ ያለ ነው። \nስለዚህ ይህ ትውልድ የሰራው የጀግንነት ተግባር ነው ብለን እናምናለን።\nበዋናነት ትንባሆ የሚጎዳው በጭሱ የተጠቁትን ሁሉ ዋና የሰውነት ክፍል የሆነውን አንጎላችንን ጭምር መሆኑ ግልፅ ሆኖ ሊሰመርበት ይገባል።\nይህ አዋጅ (አዋጅ ቁጥር )1112 እንዲወጣ ጥረት ላደረጉ ፣ለተጉ ሰለቸኝ ደከመኝ ሳይሉ መንግስትን የወተወቱ ፤ እውቀታቸውን ላበረከቱ ፣ ገንበባቸብን ፣ ጉልበታቸውን ፣ ጊዜቸውን ላበረከቱ ሁሉ የዚህ ዘመን ታሪክ ሰሪዎች ጀግኖች ፤ የሚመለከታቸው መንግስታዊና መንግስታዊ ያልሆኑ አካላት ሁሉ እንዲሁም ግለሰቦች ሊመሰገኑ ይገባል። \nበፎቶው ከሚታዩት በስተጀርባ ብዙ ታሪክ ሰሪዎች አሉ። \nለምሳሌ መቋሚያን ወክሎ ከቆመው ኤልያስ በስተጀርባ በምንም መለኪያ ወደር የማይገኝለት ብዙ ዋጋ የከፈሉ ወጣቶች የመቋሚያ ልጆች እንዳሉ ሁሉ ማለት ነው። ሁሉንም የተወከሉ አካላትን መነሻ አድርገን ከልብ የመነጨ የትውልድ ምስጋና ልናቀርብ እንወዳለን።\nእናመሰግናለን!!!! \nእናንተ ትውልዱን ወክላችሁ ታሪክ የሰራችሁ ጀግኖች ናችሁ!!!\nከዚህ ቡሃላም ሃይላችሁ ታድሶ አንድነታችሁ ጠኖክሮ በቅድመ ሚከላከል ስራው ላይ አመርቂ ነገር ትሰራላችሁ ብለን እጠብቃለን። \nከፍተኛ ምስጋና ለአዲስ አበባ ዩኒቨርስቲ ማናጅመንት እና ለአንቲ ድራግና አልኮል ክለብ ። \nኢትዮጵያን እግዚአብሄር ይባርክ\nሃገር ማለት ሰው ነው። ሰውን የሚጠብቅ ህግ ሁሉ መላውን ተፈጥሮ የሚጠብቅ ህግ ነው። \nበአዲስ አበባ ዩኒቨርስቲ የአለም አቀፍ “ትንባሆ የማይጨስበት ቀን” የግንቦት 24/2011 ዓ.ም በፕሮግራሙ ማጠናቀቂያ የማስታወሻ ፎቶ \n 
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/university-based-anti-addiction-community-movement-ubaacm-no-tobacco-day-may-312019/
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Advocacy,Tobacco,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/photo_2021-11-24_13-31-47-2-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190419
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190426
DTSTAMP:20260530T023553
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
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR