Meqoamia

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

UBAACM Movement Launched at Hawassa University: "Healthy Mind = Education Quality = Sustainable Success''
2026-03-31 | Hawassa University
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.
“Meqoamia – The Science of Addiction” Training
The 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).
The training focused on key pillars:

Healthy Mind: The scientific nature of addiction and its impact on the brain.
Education Quality: The vital role of drug-free students in maintaining high educational standards.
Sustainable Success: How to navigate a successful life journey by preventing addiction.

Objectives of the Movement
Initiated 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.
The 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.
Finally, 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.
MCDO -Meqoamia Community Development Organization March 31, 2026

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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#MCDO #WorldNoTobaccoDay2026 #UnmaskTheAppeal #TobaccoFreeAddis
