Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — In a major step toward enhancing national public health outcomes and standardizing substance use disorder (SUD) care, representatives from the Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) and the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Ethiopia Chapter are participating in an elite International Training of Trainers (ToT) program: “Managing SUD Treatment Services in line with International Key Quality Standards (2025).”
Developed in accordance with global guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), this high-level, non-curriculum specialized training focuses on equipping senior professionals and organizational leaders with state-of-the-art service management competencies.
Core Objectives & Strategic Impact
- World-Class Expertise & Standards Alignment:The training integrates international Key Quality Standards (KQS) and self-assessment frameworks (such as the BRAG rating system) directly into SUD service delivery. This ensures treatment, rehabilitation, and psychosocial interventions meet rigorous international quality benchmarks. JPG
- Strengthening National Policy Implementation (Proclamation No. 1112/2019):Beyond standard clinical care, the program reinforces domestic policy execution. By aligning evidence-based interventions (EBIs) with Ethiopia’s Food and Medicine Administration Proclamation No. 1112/2019, MCDO and ISSUP Ethiopia are bridging global standards with domestic enforcement, public health protection, and tobacco/substance control regulations.
- Cascading Knowledge Transfer across Ethiopia:Designed under a Training of Trainers (ToT) model, the insights, toolkits, and audit protocols acquired will be cascaded directly to local healthcare workers, facility managers, and community practitioners across the country.
- Human Capital & Public Health Protection:Addressing substance use disorders through standardized, evidence-driven, and patient-centered care directly protects Ethiopia’s productive workforce, reduces socio-economic burdens, and advances Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3.5).
Commitment to Evidence-Based Excellence
MCDO continues to leverage its extensive institutional experience alongside ISSUP Ethiopia’s national network to elevate treatment quality, advocate for evidence-based policies, and build sustainable local capacity.
About MCDO & ISSUP Ethiopia
Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to substance use prevention, treatment, and community development in Ethiopia. MCDO hosts the National Chapter for ISSUP Ethiopia, uniting professionals to promote evidence-based, high-quality SUD interventions nationwide.