Driven by Lived Experience, Empowering Communities

By MCDO

At Meqoamia Community Development Organization (MCDO), our unique strength lies in our leadership: a team of dedicated professionals who have walked the path of recovery themselves. This invaluable lived experience fuels our mission, ensuring every intervention is not only effective but also deeply empathetic and truly connects with the communities we serve.

For over a decade, MCDO has been a national leader in Ethiopia’s public health. We are at the forefront of tobacco and substance abuse control, transforming lives from the grassroots to high-level policy change. Our success is built on a foundation of strategic partnerships and lasting achievements.

Our Core Impact: Driving Change, Building Futures

• Shaping Policy: We were instrumental in the passage of Ethiopia’s landmark Tobacco and Alcohol Control Proclamation, proving our ability to create systemic change for public health.
• Empowering Youth: Through our “University-Based Anti-Addiction Community Movement” (UBAACM) with the Ministry of Education and EFDA, we’ve created smoke-free campuses in all Ethiopian government universities, shaping the next generation of leaders.
• Rehabilitation & Justice: We provide crucial addiction and recovery coaching within federal correctional facilities, recognized by the Federal Prison Commission for reducing recidivism and supporting recovery. We also train prison staff and youth inmates in tobacco harm prevention.
• National Awareness: Our public awareness campaigns have reached an estimated 17 million Ethiopians, significantly increasing understanding and fostering community-based prevention.
• Strong National Alliances: We have deep ties with Ethiopian health and regulatory bodies, including a formalized MoU with the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) and partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education.
• Global Expertise: Our team holds international certifications from the Colombo Plan and U.S. Department of State (Universal Prevention & Treatment Curriculum) and is recognized as Master Trainers by the African Union for youth engagement in drug prevention. We also have specialized expertise in family and child interventions.

Powering Progress Through Unbreakable Partnerships

Our reach and impact are significantly amplified by strong collaborations, both at home and globally. These partnerships are essential to our success, allowing us to expand our efforts and deepen our expertise.

Strong Foundations at Home: Ethiopian Partnerships

We work closely with key Ethiopian government bodies, embedding our efforts within the national framework:

• Ministry of Health (MoH) & Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA): Our partnership with EFDA Tobacco Control and MoH’s NMNSP ensures our programs align with national standards, contributing to a professional and comprehensive approach to drug demand reduction. Our role in ratifying Ethiopia’s tobacco and alcohol control proclamation (1112/2019) highlights this powerful synergy.
• Ministry of Education and Ethiopian Universities: We establish rehabilitation centers and training programs across universities, building a stronger professional workforce to address substance use disorders.
• Federal Prison Commission: We are officially recognized for our vital work in addiction recovery, relapse prevention, and reducing recidivism within the justice system.

Expanding Our Reach: International Alliances

Our vision extends globally through strategic international collaborations, bringing best practices to Ethiopia and Africa:

• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Ethiopia: We collaborate on joint training initiatives for drug dependence treatment, including programs for federal prison leadership, ensuring our training meets global standards like UTC and UPC.
• International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP): As an Ethiopian training provider for ISSUP, we connect to a global network dedicated to evidence-based substance use prevention and treatment.
• African Union (AU) & Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP): We foster strong partnerships to advance a pan-African approach to drug demand reduction, sharing knowledge and building capacity across the continent.

Our Impact: From Individuals to Millions

Our comprehensive strategy delivers tangible results:

• Direct Impact: Over 800 individuals have been directly supported through our treatment and recovery programs, empowering them to reclaim their lives.
• Broad Reach: Our prevention programs have reached millions across Ethiopia.
• Evidence-Informed Action: Our interventions are grounded in research, like our study on youth substance abuse in Addis Ababa.

Institutional Integrity: Independent and Ethical

MCDO operates with uncompromised independence. We maintain a strict policy of non-association with the tobacco industry, ensuring our advocacy and research remain objective, ethical, and solely aligned with public health interests.

Looking Ahead: A Healthier Future, Together

MCDO is a vital force in Ethiopia’s public health, driving change through innovative programs, powerful partnerships, and impactful policy advocacy. We are committed to expanding international collaborations, rigorously evaluating our impact, and continuously shaping national standards.

Join us in building a healthier, substance-free future for Ethiopia and a more resilient Africa!