GATS 2024 Study Dissemination Workshop Highlights Progress and Challenges in Tobacco Control in Ethiopia

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Ethiopia 2024 study dissemination workshop was held on April 3, 2025, at Elilly International Hotel, Addis Ababa. The event brought together high-level officials from the House of People’s Representatives (HPR), Ministry of Health (MoH), Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), National Tobacco Control Coordinating Committee (NTCCC) members, regional health bureau officials, civil society organizations, and media representatives.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health, acknowledged the promising results of the GATS 2024 study, while also emphasizing the continuing challenges tobacco poses to public health — particularly its contribution to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Dr. Dereje highlighted the government’s commitment to intensifying enforcement of smoke-free policies, strengthening cessation support services, increasing tobacco taxation, launching awareness campaigns, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration to combat tobacco use.

Dr. Tadele Burka, Deputy Chairman of the Health, Social, Culture, and Sport Standing Committee of the Parliament, reaffirmed Parliament’s strong commitment and support towards achieving a smoke-free generation in Ethiopia.

Key Findings of GATS 2024 Ethiopia:

• A reduction in the overall adult tobacco use prevalence from 5.7% in 2016 to 4.6% in 2024.

• A significant decline in tobacco use among female smokers.

• Exposure to second-hand smoke in workplaces decreased from 29.3% in 2016 to 19.8% in 2024.

• However, exposure to tobacco smoke in government institutions and health facilities has slightly increased.

EFDA’s Director General, H.E. Heran Gerba, attributed the positive outcomes to the government’s comprehensive tobacco control measures. She stressed the need for immediate follow-up actions based on the study recommendations to ensure even greater progress before the next GATS survey in five years.