Meqoamia

World No Tobacco Day May 31,2022
2022-06-03 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | Inter luxury Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This is WHO initiated annual event which take place every year on May 31, 2022. The event is named “World No Tobacco Day”. This year WNTD 2022 is entitle “Tobacco: Threat to our environment”. It took place in Inter luxury Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was organized in the context of an event comprising keynote speeches, seminaries and discussion, aiming to create awareness and act up on tobacco’s threat to our environment. The event gathered wide range of stakeholders in AASFI and others together and its expected outcome was to create awareness and advocate for legal frame to protect the environment from tobacco threat. The participants were EFDA, FMHCA, WHO representative, MCDO, MWECS, HDAMA, and different medias. The workshop was organized into three main sessions. Keynote speeches, paper seminaries on different themes, and participant discussion. The main points raised during the paper seminaries and discussion were broadly categorized as follows:

Tobacco lifecycle and its threat to environment: the lifecycle includes cultivation, production, distribution, consumption, and post-consumption wastes.
Tobacco use and its effects on health, social and economy
Strengthen policy actions to prevent tobacco-induced environmental harms.

The participants reflected on the idea of legal frame work to that aim at controlling the in and out activities of tobacco industries, tobacco waste management and others. The event was productive since it involved different stakeholders and broadcast its main them through different media outlets. Final remarks were given by EFDA deputy manager general.

Capacity building training on smoke-free implementation, inspection, and enforcement
2022-07-07 08:00 - 2022-07-12 17:00 | Harmony Hotel, Addis Ababa.
This workshop was entitled “Capacity building training on smoke-free implementation, inspection, and enforcement”. The capacity-building was conducted aiming to equip professionals from Arad and Kirkos sub-cities. The capacity-building helped Arada SC to share its experience with Kirkos professionals. The expected outcome was to capacitate professionals in integrity and professional ethics. MCDO facilitated the workshop and EFDA, AAFMAHCA, Arada and Kirkos professionals were participants.
The workshop was organized into two main sessions. The first session started with introductions and presentations from MCDO and AAFMHACA. The introduction by MCDO was followed by presentations on Pre-inspection, Inspection, and Post Inspection by Mr Ashenafi, the AASFI contact person.
The second session was dedicated to discussions on cases. Arada SC professionals raised different cases that need attention and helped as an experience sharing for the newly added Kirkos SC professionals. The participants reflected on the cases raised and discussed related issues like professionals’ integrity and professionals’ safety. The workshop was productive since it was able to capacitate the professionals and shared experiences with the Kirkos professionals. The capacity-building workshop was finalized by taking a group photo and having lunch together.

Capacity building training on smoke-free implementation, inspection, and enforcement
2022-07-07 08:00 - 2022-07-12 17:00, 2022-07-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Harmony Hotel, Addis Ababa.
Venue: Harmony Hotel, Date: July 7, 2022
This workshop was entitled “Capacity building training on smoke-free implementation, inspection, and enforcement”. The capacity-building was conducted aiming to equip professionals from Arad and Kirkos sub-cities. The capacity-building helped Arada SC to share its experience with Kirkos professionals. The expected outcome was to capacitate professionals in integrity and professional ethics. MCDO facilitated the workshop and EFDA, AAFMAHCA, Arada and Kirkos professionals were participants.
The workshop was organized into two main sessions. The first session started with introductions and presentations from MCDO and AAFMHACA. The introduction by MCDO was followed by presentations on Pre-inspection, Inspection, and Post Inspection by Mr Ashenafi, the AASFI contact person.
The second session was dedicated to discussions on cases. Arada SC professionals raised different cases that need attention and helped as an experience sharing for the newly added Kirkos SC professionals. The participants reflected on the cases raised and discussed related issues like professionals’ integrity and professionals’ safety. The workshop was productive since it was able to capacitate the professionals and shared experiences with the Kirkos professionals. The capacity-building workshop was finalized by taking a group photo and having lunch together.

Advocacy meeting with Mayor’s office, Police Commission, Code enforcement bureau, and women and youth bureau to support strong enforcement of SF provisions
2022-07-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Harmony Hotel, Addis Ababa.
The advocacy meeting took place on July 19, 2022, at Harmony Hotel, Addis Ababa. The meeting aimed to organize a platform to create high political commitment among officials and prioritization of SF implementation and compliance endeavours. The workshop gathered participants from EFDA, FMHCA, AA-Trade, and Industry, AA Code enforcement, AA Transport, AA Youth Volunteers Coordination Office, Arada and Kirkos FMHCA, MWECS, and MCDO. The meeting started with introductions and presentations from AAFMHACA and MCDO. Presentations were delivered on the role of stakeholders and what MCDO aspire to. Points were raised during stakeholders’ discussion. Ms Tigist and Mr Elias reflected on raised points and added further insights. Then followed a group discussion. The main points raised during the discussion were: Strengthening the steering committee (Taskforce), Steps to follow in conducting the AASFI, Engaging the mayor’s office effectively should be a priority to do in the AASFI, and the need for a center of excellence (Recovery Center).

Joint On - Site Visit
2022-09-15 08:00 - 2022-09-16 17:00
The joint on-site visit has taken place on September 15, 2022, at Arada and Kirkos sub-cities, Addis Ababa. It was organized in the context of a joint on-site visit of stakeholders Arada and Kirkos sub-cities. The workshop gathered stakeholders of AASFI together and its expected outcome was to ensure the establishment’s adherence to SF requirements. The on-site inspectors were from EFDA, FMHCA, Arada FMHCA, Kirkos FMHACA, HDAMA, MWECS, CTFK representative, and MCDO. The on-site visit was organized to visit Arada and Kirkos sub-cities. The first visit started from Kirkos sub-city district 3 and visited different establishments. The other on-site visit by the team was conducted in the Arada sub-city starting from district 5. What the team has observed was a success story in most cases. As it was the first sub-cities in which the AASFI has initiated, its track record helped the sub-city to work better. The overall on-site visit was finalized by hearing feedback from the participants and having a meal together.

Advocacy meeting with Mayor’s office, Police Commission, Code enforcement bureau, and women and youth bureau to support strong enforcement of SF provisions
2022-11-21 08:00 - 2022-11-23 17:00
A panel discussion took place on November 21, 2022, at Kenenisa Hotel, Addis Ababa, under the advocacy meeting activity. The panel discussion targeted creating and sustaining high political commitment among higher officials and prioritizing SF implementation and compliance. The meeting and panel discussion gathered participants from AASFI stakeholders, Addis Ababa EFDA, AA-FMHACA, AA Code Authority, Addis Ababa University, MCDO, HDAMA, MWECS, CTFK representative, Addis Media Network, Asham TV, and FM radios. The meeting started with introductions and an opening speech from AAFMHACA and MCDO. The short introduction by Mr Elias (MCDO) and Tigist (AAFMHACA) was followed by a panel discussion among stakeholders. The panellists were Mr Elias (MCDO), Dr Jara (AA Counsel member), Mr Wondu (MWECS), Artist Tesfaye Mamo (Author and Director),and Mr Dereje (CTFK representative). The panel discussion was further extended to questions and suggestion sessions from the participants. The panel discussion was productive; it attracted the AA council representative’s attention and initiated higher political officials. Final remarks were given by Ms Tigist and the program was finalized by taking group photos and having lunch together.

Day time inspection in Kirkos sub-cities , Addis Ababa .
2022-12-14 08:00 - 2022-12-15 17:00
December 14 and 15, 2022, a daytime inspection was conducted both in Kirkos sub-cities. This inspection is the second daytime inspection to be conducted in Kirkos. A thorough orientation was given to district professionals and focal persons on December 13, 2022. Issues were raised regarding the inspection checklist, how to take legal measures, and logistics for inspection. We also oversaw the overall activity jointly with AA-FMHACA and sub-city FMHACA during the inspection process. IEC/BCC materials and No-smoking signs were distributed during the on-site inspection and meetings. Establishments which failed to post the No-Smoking coloured sticker were given new ones and re-introduced to the concept of posting the stickers on visible spots. Regardless of the challenge on the field, Kirkos sub-city has shown promising progress as we have witnessed in the previous inspection.

Support AAFMHACA, EFDA, and other law enforcement officials with daytime inspection and SF enforcement visits in Arada and Kirkos sub-cities selected districts
2023-01-05 - 2023-01-06
A daytime inspection was conducted in Arada sub-city as we were inspecting Kirkos on the night. The work done during the daytime inspection was observed by a joint team of AA-FMHACA and sub-city FMHACA. IEC/BCC materials and No-smoking signs were distributed during the on-site inspection and prior meeting for orientation. Establishments which failed to post the No-Smoking coloured sticker were given new ones and re-introduced to the concept of posting the stickers on visible spots. One of the main challenges in Arada SC during this inspection was the unstable office set up of Arada-FMHACA. The bureau was going under restructuring and deploying of professionals that made our job a bit difficult to assign a convenient day and professionals for the job.

Support AAFMHACA, EFDA, and other law enforcement officials with daytime inspection and SF enforcement visits in Arada and Kirkos sub-cities selected districts
2023-01-05 - 2023-01-06
On January 5 and 6, 2023, a daytime inspection was conducted in Arada sub-city as we were inspecting Kirkos on the night. The work done during the daytime inspection was observed by a joint team of AA-FMHACA and sub-city FMHACA. IEC/BCC materials and No-smoking signs were distributed during the on-site inspection and prior meeting for orientation. Establishments which failed to post the No-Smoking coloured sticker were given new ones and re-introduced to the concept of posting the stickers on visible spots. One of the main challenges in Arada SC during this inspection was the unstable office set up of Arada-FMHACA. The bureau was going under restructuring and deploying of professionals that made our job a bit difficult to assign a convenient day and professionals for the job.

Joint on-site visit with EFDA, FMHACA, Police, code enforcement, MCDO, and MWECS in Arada, Kirkos, and Bole sub-cities . Addis Ababa.
2023-01-31 08:00 - 2023-02-02 17:00
The joint on-site visit has taken place on January 31, 2022, at Arada and Kirkos sub-cities, Addis Ababa. This kind of on-site visit is an integral joint visit of stakeholders. It was organized in the context of a joint on-site visit of stakeholders Arada and Kirkos sub-cities, where progress of establishments and adherence to the proclamation 1112/2019 is observed on spot. The on-site visit gathered stakeholders of AASFI together and its expected outcome was to ensure the establishment’s adherence to SF requirements. The on-site inspectors were from EFDA, FMHCA, Arada FMHCA, Kirkos FMHACA, HDAMA, CTFK representative, and MCDO. The on-site visit was organized to visit Arada and Kirkos sub-cities. The first visit started from Arada sub-city and district 9 and 5 and the second to Kirkos sub city districts 3 and 2 with the guidance of the respective district professionals. During the visit, the visitor team conducted both pre-planned and sudden visit to establishments and assess different SF qualifications. The assessment includes physical observation/inspection, interviewing the owner/manager and checking for visibly posted No-Smoking signs.

Outreach meeting for Taskforce, WHO, AAFMHACA and Arada, and other sub-city’s health and law enforcement officials to ensure prioritization and continued political support
2023-02-16 00:00 - 2023-02-17 14:57, 2023-02-16 08:00 - 2023-02-17 17:00 | Momona Hotel
This workshop was entitled “Outreach meeting for Taskforce”, which consisted EFDA, AAFMHCA, and Mayor Office, Arada FMHCA, AA Code enforcement, and MCDO, and its expected outcome was to create political support and awareness creation on the SF environment. It took place on February 16, 2023, at Momona Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The workshop was organized in two main sessions. Presentations from MCDO and AAFMHACA and the second session were dedicated to stakeholders’ discussion. Ms. Heran (EFDA) and Ms. Tigist (AAFMHACA) reflected on the questions raised by participants and added further points regarding the topics raised. The workshop was organized into three presentations and stakeholders’ discussion. The first session started with introductions and presentations from AAFMAHCA, MCDO and Arada and Kirkos FMHACA. The short introduction by Ms Tigist (AAFMHACA) was followed by presentations on bi-annual report review from Arada and Kirkos. The participants reflected on the discussion points and other outstanding agenda. The meeting was productive since it was able to generate the need for a larger stakeholders meeting.

Joint on-site visit with EFDA, FMHACA, Police, code enforcement, MCDO, and MWECS in Arada, Kirkos, and Bole sub-cities
2023-02-23 08:00 - 2023-03-15 17:00
The joint on-site visit has taken place on February 23, 2023, at Arada and Kirkos sub-cities, Addis Ababa. This on-site visit was an integral on-site visit of to observe progress of establishments and adherence to the proclamation 1112/2019 led by higher officials from EFDA and AA-FMHACA. This team consisted members from higher officials to district professionals. It assembled stakeholders of AASFI together and its expected outcome was to ensure the establishment’s adherence to SF requirements. The on-site inspectors were from EFDA, FMHCA, Arada FMHCA, Kirkos FMHACA, and MCDO.
This on-site visit included Ms Heran, EFDA Director General, and other AAFMHACA higher officials. Ms Heran, as she is a vital figure in the AASFI activities joined us in observing the progress of establishments. Her visit with the team was encouraging to the professionals and helped us to deal with the cases practically and observe the challenges and opportunities of AASFI physically.

capacity building - staff training
2023-02-28 - 2023-03-01

Organize and conduct sensitization workshops for health inspectors, Woreda (province) professionals, and law enforcement officials on SF provisions and SF enforcement strategies
2023-06-16 08:00 - 13:00
The workshop took place on June 16, 2023, at Province 9 meeting, Addis Ababa. It was organized to review progress report from Arada and Kirkos SC FMHACA’s and present it to the newly added Lideta and Gullele sub cities. The workshop gathered professionals from the aforementioned sub cities and its expected outcome was to ensure professional’s sensitization about significance and content of SF provision. The participants were Police and law enforcement, Arada-FMHCA, Arada Province professionals, Kirkos-FMHCA, Kirkos Province professionals, and MCDO.
The workshop was organized into three presentations and participants’ discussion. The first session started with introductions and presentations from MCDO about the general activity of MCDO by Mr. Elias, MCDO executive director, which was followed by presentations on the five years strategic planning and 21 Months action plan of by Esisha, MCDO project officer. The workshop was a great input in onboarding Lideta and Gullele sub cities into the AASFI endeavors in an integrated manner.
The participants reflected on the discussion points and other outstanding agenda. The meeting was productive since it was able to make Lideta and Gullele passionate about the work they are going to do. Final remarks were given by Mr. Elias. The workshop was finalized by taking a group photo together.

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD May 31,2023
2023-06-20 08:00 - 17:00
World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is WHO initiated annual event which takes place every year on May 31. The event is named “World No Tobacco Day”. This year WNTD 2022 is entitled “We Need Food Not Tobacco”. It took place in different activities both indoor and outdoor. The indoor activities include workshop, panel discussion, and stakeholders’ meetings. The outdoor activities include public exhibition, mass awareness creation programs, and group walking on the main streets of Addis Ababa. This year’s event and press released was decided to be replaced by other activities that engage the community at large level. Workshops and panel discussion in every sub city was organized in the context of creating mass awareness and emphasizing on this year’s WNTD motto, We Need Food Not Tobacco. The variety of events and activities gathered a wide range of stakeholders in AASFI and others together and its expected outcome was to create mass awareness and advocate for the need of food than tobacco. The participants were EFDA, FMHCA, MCDO, MWECS, HDAMA, Sub cities, Youth associations, Volunteers, and different media.

Advocacy meeting with Taskforce, health officials of AAFMHACA, EFDA, sub-cities, and woreda (province) officials for political support
2023-06-26 08:00 - 2023-06-27 17:00
The workshop took place on June 26, 2023, at Tolip Olympia Hotel, Addis Ababa. It was organized to introduce Lideta and Gullele sub cities FMHACAs to the taskforce and review progress report from Arada SC FMHACA and present it to the newly added Lideta and Gullele sub cities. The advocacy meeting brought stakeholders from Mayor Office, EFDA, AAFMHACA, Sub Cities FMHACAs, and Law and enforcement office. its expected outcome was to full political support and prioritization of AASFI. The advocacy meeting was organized into two main sessions. Presentations and participants’ discussion. The first session started with introductions and presentations from MCDO about the general activity of MCDO followed by presentations on 10 months progress report from Arada FMHACA. The advocacy meeting was served as a platform to introduce Lideta and Gullele sub cities to AASFI task force. Stakeholders’ discussion led by Ms. Elias, Ashenafi (AAFMHACA), and Molla (AAFMHACA) was conducted and reflections and answer on the questions and comments were communicated.

አለም አቀፍ የአደገኛ እፅ አላግባብ መጠቀምን እና ህገወጥ ዝውውርን መከላከል ቀን International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
2023-06-27 08:00 - 17:00
June 26 /2023
አለም አቀፍ የአደገኛ እፅ አላግባብ መጠቀምን እና ህገወጥ ዝውውርን መከላከል ቀን
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
መከላከልን ከርኅራኄ ጋር፡፡
“ሱሰኝነት የምንከላለውና ማገገም የሚችል የአንጎል ህመም ነው!”
ሃገር ማለት ሰው ነው!
የዘንድሮው International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
መሪ ቃል፡-
People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”
#ቅድሚያ ለሰው! ፡- አድሎ እና መገለል ይቁም ! ፣ ቅድመ መከላከልን እናጠናከር! – የአደገኛ ዕፅ ተጠቃሚና ሱሰኞችን በአክብሮት እና እክብካቤ ማከም ፣ ማስረጃ ላይ የተመሰረተ ለሁሉም የበጎ ፈቃድ አገልግሎት መስጠት ፣ የቅጣትና ማስተማሪያ አማራጮችን መጠቀም ፣ መከላከልን ማስቀደም እና ግንዛቤን ማሳደግ ላይ ታስቦ የተዘጋጀ ነው። ከርኅራኄ ጋር፡፡
የዓለም የአደገኛ ዕፅ ችግር በዓለም ዙሪያ በሚሊዮን የሚቆጠሩ ሰዎችን አደጋ ላይ የጣለ ውስብስብ ጉዳይ ነው ። አደገኛ መድኃኒቶችንና ዕፆችን የሚወስዱ ሰዎች አካላዊና አእምሯዊ ጤንነታቸው አደጋ ላይ ከመውደቅ በተጨማሪ የሚያስፈልጋቸውን እርዳታ እንዳያገኙ እንኳ ያሉበት ችግር ሊያግዳቸው ይችላል ።
በዚህም የተባበሩት መንግስታት ድርጅት የአደገኛ መድኃኒቶችና ወንጀሎች ቢሮ (UNODC) – በሰብአዊ መብት ፣ ርህራሄ እና በማስረጃ ላይ በተመሰረተ ተግባራት ላይ ትኩረት በማድረግ የአደንዛዥ ዕፅ ፖሊሲዎችን በህዝብ ላይ ያተኮረ አቀራረብ የመከተልን አስፈላጊነት ተገንዝቧል።
“ጥላታችን በሱስ ህመሙ ላይ እንጅ ሱሰኛው አይደለም !”
መቋሚያ የማህበረሰብ ልማት ድርጅት
ሰኔ 17 /2015 – 24 June 2023
People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”

Joint on-site visit with EFDA, FMHACA, Police, law enforcement, MCDO and MWECS on Arada, Kirkos, Lideta and Gullele sub-cities
2023-08-04 08:00 - 17:00 | AddIs Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The joint on-site visit has taken place on August 4, 2023. This kind of on-site visit is an integral joint visit of stakeholders. It is organized in the context of a joint or integrated on-site visit of stakeholders in Arada, Kirkos, Lideta and Gullele sub-cities, where progress of establishments and adherence to the proclamation 1112/2019 is observed on spot. The on-site visit gathered stakeholders of AASFI together and its expected outcome is to ensure the establishment’s adherence to SF requirements. The on-site inspectors were from EFDA, FMHCA, Arada FMHCA, Kirkos FMHACA, Lideta and Gullele, and MCDO. During the inspection, the visitor team observed that most of district 3, 5 and 9 establishments in satisfactory state in adhering to the SF requirements. The team was grateful about the work done in Arada visiting the aforementioned provinces. In Kirkos sub city, what the team has observed was a success story in most follow up cases but need work in districts adjust to the aforementioned ones, especially district 3. The overall on-site visit was finalized by hearing feedback from the participants and having a meal together which yielded a fruitful discussion over lunch, especially about strengthening and integrating the tobacco steering committee (task force) by including the newly added sub cities, Lideta and Gullele. Further discussion and progress review was made in MCDO office among staff.

Joint on-site visit with EFDA, FMHACA, Police, law enforcement, MCDO and MWECS on Arada, Kirkos, Lideta and Gullele sub-cities
2023-08-04 08:00 - 17:00

Advocacy meeting with Mayor’s office, Police Commission, Code enforcement bureau, and women and youth bureau to support strong enforcement of SF provisions
2023-08-25 08:00 - 2023-08-30 17:00
The advocacy meeting with Mayor’s office took place on August 25, 2023, at Kenna Hotel, Addis Ababa, in a progress review meeting set up. The progress review and discussion targeted creating and sustaining high political commitment among higher officials and prioritising SF implementation and compliance as an expected outcome. This meeting specifically, aspire to see the engagement of Mayor office in AASFI strengthen and deepened. This program gathered participants from AASFI stakeholders, EFDA, AA-FMHACA, AA Code Authority, CTFK representative, MCDO, and Addis Media Network. The meeting was organized into two main sessions. The first session started with introductions and an opening speech from AAFMHACA and MCDO. The short introduction was followed by a presentation from MCDO, Lideta, and Gullele sub cities. The presentations were followed by panel discussions, which was further extended to questions and reflection sessions from the participants. After the panel discussion, final remark on the overall program was given and closed thereafter.

Advocacy meeting with Mayor’s office, Police Commission, Code enforcement bureau, and women and youth bureau to support strong enforcement of SF provisions
2023-08-25 08:00 - 2023-08-30 17:00 | Kenna Hotel, Bole, Addis Ababa

Enhancing media coverage of SF implementation by engaging MCDO’s existing media and other media broadcasts
2023-09-05 08:00 - 2023-09-13 17:00
A briefing meeting with media was held on September 5, 2023 at the MCDO office in Addis Ababa. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways to enhance media coverage of the implementation of the Smoke-Free (SF) policy to a wider audience. The expected outcome is to create mass awareness, especially through well-known media outlets.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various media outlets, including television, radio, and print. Ethiopian Press, Reporter Magazine, Addis Media Network (AMN), Maleda Radio, Awash Radio, Addis Admas Magazine, and Roha Media were all represented.
After a fruitful discussion, the participants agreed to establish a media team that would meet regularly to discuss media coverage of the SF policy implementation. This team will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to raise awareness of the policy and its benefits.
The media team will also work to create a mass awareness campaign around the slogan, “It is my natural right to live in an environment 100% free of tobacco smoke.” This campaign will support the efforts of the Addis Ababa Smoke-Free Initiative (AASFI) and the MCDO to create a healthier and more smoke-free city.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all participants to work together to raise awareness of the SF policy and its benefits. The media team is confident that they can make a significant contribution to this effort and help to create a healthier and more smoke-free Addis Ababa for all.

Advocacy meeting with Taskforce, health officials of AAFMHACA, EFDA, sub-cities, and woreda (province) officials for political support
2023-10-31 08:00 - 2023-11-06 17:00, 2023-11-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Cassiopeia Hotel, Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The workshop took place on October 31, 2023, at Cassiopeia Hotel, Addis Ababa. It was systematized to engage with AAFMHACA officials, Arada, Kirkos, Lideta and Gullele sub cities FMHACA officials and professionals. It is already known that, because of the frequent turn over and reshuffling of AAFMHACA office the members of the taskforce may not last longer. Therefore, reviewing its members and welcoming the new ones should be done once in a while.
This time, we used the platform to understand what the newly structured AAFMHACA office with its respective responsibilities look like. Under the new restructuring the tobacco team is organized under health and food related items. Previously, it was not difficult to contact a focal person for tobacco related issues. Because they have their tobacco committee with a focal person assigned, the communication was smooth and friendly. Now, we need to go down all the hierarchy to reach out the person in charge of the tobacco and SF implementation. Mr. Molla, AAFMHACA representative and tobacco focal person to be explained the gap in the restructuring and how to communicate accordingly. The advocacy meeting brought stakeholders from EFDA, AAFMHACA, Sub Cities FMHACAs. its expected outcome was securing full political support and prioritization of AASFI.

Organize and conduct sensitization workshops for health inspectors, Woreda (province) professionals, and law enforcement officials on SF provisions and SF enforcement strategies,
2023-11-20 08:00 | Kena Hotel, Addis Ababa.
The workshop took place on October 20, 2023, at Kena Hotel, Addis Ababa. It was organized to gather directors of AASFI tobacco sector from the four sub cities, Arada, Kirkos, Lideta, and Gullele FMHACA’s. Among the participants, most of them are newly appointed officials. The sensitization workshop gathered directors from the aforementioned sub cities and its expected outcome was to ensure professional’s sensitization about significance and content of SF provision. The participants were AAFMHACA, Police and law enforcement, Arada-FMHCA director, Kirkos-FMHCA director, Lideta director, Gullele director, CTFK representative and MCDO.
The workshop was organized into three sessions, three presentations and participants’ discussion. The first session started with introductions and presentations from MCDO about the general activities of MCDO, and MCDO full package which was followed by presentations on the overall activities of AASFI and the structure of the newly stablished office structure by Molla, AASFI tobacco director. The workshop was a great input in onboarding the newly appointed directors both from AAFMHACA and sub cities. AASFI endeavors were presented to bring the participants to one page. Then, stakeholders’ discussion led by Ms. Elias, Miressa – AAFMHACA, and Sister Bedria – AAMHACA was conducted and reflections and answer on the questions and comments were communicated.

Strengthen SF youth clubs in selected high schools in three sub-cities in Addis Ababa city
2023-12-18 08:00 - 2023-12-20 17:00 | Arada Sub City, Addis Ababa,
The report of the activity “Strengthening SF Clubs” outlines the progress made in strengthening smoke-free youth clubs in selected high schools across three sub-cities in Addis Ababa city. The project has successfully engaged with high school students, implemented educational initiatives, and provided awareness creation resources (IEC/BCC materials) to promote smoke-free environments. The impact of these efforts has been significant in raising awareness and fostering a healthier lifestyle among the youth. It is recalled that recently MCDO included the activity of SF implementation in schools. Last time, it was started with Assy Public School in Kirkos sub city. Now, the activity is expanding to other sub cities. Under this activity, strengthening SF clubs was executed in three schools found in Arada sub city. Namely, Belay Zeleke, Kelemework, and Minilik the 2nd schools. It is recalled that youth who did not pass the National Exams are very much vulnerable to addiction and related health hazards. Therefore, focusing on the upcoming generation is vital direction to handle youth healthier lifestyle before complications.

Enhancing media coverage of SF implementation by engaging MCDO’s existing media and other media broadcasts
2023-12-19 08:00 - 2023-12-20 12:30 | MCDO office, Bole
The media meeting highlights the efforts to enhance media coverage of smoke-free implementation by engaging the organization’s existing media outlets and other media broadcasts. The project successfully leveraged the organization’s media resources to raise awareness and promote smoke-free initiatives. Additionally, collaboration with external media broadcasts expanded the reach of the campaign. The report also outlines the challenges faced, such as limited resources and competition for media attention, and provides recommendations for future efforts, including diversifying media partnerships and optimizing existing resources for maximum impact. Telegram, YouTube, and WhatsApp were chosen from social media to be the best outlets for media engagement. Community radios, Fm radios and newly introduced AAFMHACA magazine were selected to broadcast TC project and related updates
