Following Ethiopia’s receipt of the prestigious 2025 Good Governance for Tobacco Control Integrity Award at the CoP11 side event in Geneva, a high-level national ceremony was held on January 13, 2026, to launch the findings of the Ethiopia 2025 Tobacco Industry Interference Index, celebrate the achievement, and recognize key contributors.
At the opening of the ceremony, State Minister of Health H.E. Dr. Dereje Duguma congratulated the country on this milestone and highlighted Ethiopia’s strong progress in countering tobacco industry interference through coordinated government action and the vital role of civil society organizations. He emphasized the need to sustain and strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration and coordination, continue public awareness efforts, and maintain the watchdog role of CSOs.
Each year, 6,000–8,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in Ethiopia, yet fewer than 2,000 access treatments. As an organization that has supported more than 3,000 childhood cancer patients and their families with medications, diagnostics, meals, accommodation, transportation and psychosocial care, we know firsthand the challenges families face. These experiences have made us realize that partnership and collaboration are essential to strengthening care systems and achieving the national goal of increasing childhood cancer survival rates to 60% by 2030. MWF would like to reaffirm its commitment to partnering with ESPHO in the fight against childhood cancer.
EFDA Director General Heran Gerba underscored that Ethiopia has no legal or policy framework that enables the tobacco industry to flourish, noting that despite strong policies, the industry continues to attempt to influence decision-making. She affirmed that Ethiopia’s international recognition reflects the government’s firm stance and effective collaboration with stakeholders, which will be further strengthened.
A documentary highlighting Ethiopia’s progress in countering tobacco industry interference was screened, followed by the presentation of the 2025 country report and discussion. At the conclusion of the ceremony, organizations and individuals who made significant contributions to protecting public health policies from tobacco industry interference and to upholding the provisions of Proclamation 1112/2019 were recognized. As a major actor in preventing coordinated tobacco industry interference, MWF received recognition at both organizational and individual levels.
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