A review meeting on Tobacco Control with ‘Smoke Free Addis Ababa’ Initiative has been held.

MWECS in collaboration with Food, Medicine, Healthcare and Administration and Control Authority (FMHACA) of Addis Ababa and Food & Drug Authority (FDA) of Ethiopia conducted a review meeting on tobacco control with respective key stakeholders with the generous support received from CTFK (Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids) at Kenenisa Hotel, Addis Ababa on August 19, 2021.

The meeting was held with a motto of “Smoke Free Addis Ababa” and with the aim of making all public and work areas within the city 100 % smoke free.  As part of the Smoke Free Addis Ababa Initiative which is coordinated and monitored by the director of FDA, MWECS received three woreda (02, 03 & 04) in bole sub city and conducted an inspection in bars, restaurants and lounges with Bole and Woreda FMHACA inspectors together with the support from police forces during day and night time.

During  the meeting, presentations were held on 1112/2019 proclamation specifically on Tobacco Control, the challenges towards implementing the Smoke Free initiative in the city were raised, findings and challenges were presented and action taken and lesson learned from the inspection done in the above mentioned woredas were presented to attendees of higher officials from Addis Ababa Mayor Office, Police Forces, Code Enforcement, Peace and Security, Sub City & Woreda FMHACA, Medias and Artist Chirotaw Kelkay from the entertainment industry. In addition to these stakeholders, Partners from Mekuamia (MCDO) and HDAMA (Health, Development and Anti-Malaria Association) also attended the meeting.  

At the end of the meeting, constructive suggestions and solutions were laid out and discussion led by FDA director Miss Heran Gerba and FMHACA director Mr. Tamene Achamo was held.