MCDO & ISSUP Ethiopia Successfully Achieve All Objectives in Strategic Meeting with Newly Appointed AAFDA Executive Leadership
Addis Ababa | October 21, 2026
Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) successfully conducted a comprehensive bilateral consultative meeting with the newly appointed executive leadership of the Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority (AAFDA), including Director General Mrs. Tigist Bedada Gemachu, Deputy Director General of Regulatory Sector Mr. Enga Erketa Limaga, and senior technical experts at the AAFDA Headquarters.
The meeting effectively accomplished all its key strategic objectives:
- Official Congratulations and Reaffirmation of Partnership: On behalf of MCDO and ISSUP Ethiopia, Executive Director Mr. Elias Kalayu Abrha extended formal congratulations to the newly appointed leadership team. MCDO explicitly reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to maintaining strong institutional support and seamless collaboration with the incoming leadership.
- Sustaining 5 Years of City-Wide AASFI & Expanding Block-Level Implementation: The dialogue secured full alignment on advancing the Addis Ababa Smoke-Free Initiative (AASFI) built over the past five years. Both entities agreed to accelerate the newly launched Block-Level Implementation during this project year, enforcing Proclamation No. 1112/2019 across residential, recreational, and occupational settings. This landmark program continues to be financially supported by our long-standing partner, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK).
- Promoting Knowledge Transfer via ISSUP Ethiopia: Clear awareness was created regarding the institutional opportunities embedded within the ISSUP Ethiopia National Chapter. Strategic avenues were mapped out for AAFDA technical staff and municipal inspectors to leverage ISSUP’s professional training modules, global networks, and evidence-based capacity-building programs.
The executive leadership of AAFDA expressed deep appreciation for the continued partnership and confirmed their full readiness to work hand-in-hand with MCDO and ISSUP Ethiopia to advance public health regulatory standards in the city.