The initiative focused on Supporting Food Policy in Ethiopia signifies a critical step towards advocating for the enactment of a comprehensive and obligatory food policy aimed at fostering healthy dietary practices and combatting the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within the Ethiopian context. With a steadfast objective to champion the implementation of a robust food policy framework, the project stands as a pivotal driver for promoting healthier eating habits, enhancing nutrition outcomes, and addressing the root causes of NCDs in the country. By advocating for the adoption of stringent regulations and guidelines surrounding food production, labeling, marketing, and consumption, the project seeks to create an environment that prioritizes accessible, nutritious, and balanced diets while curbing the consumption of unhealthy and processed foods. Through targeted advocacy efforts, awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement, the Support Food Policy in Ethiopia project aims to catalyze transformative change, instill healthy dietary behaviors, and ultimately contribute to the overall well-being and health resilience of the Ethiopian population.

The initiative centered on Advocacy for Strengthening the Consortium of Ethiopian NCD Associations (CENCDA) represents a pivotal stride towards mobilizing a united front in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within Ethiopia. With a resolute goal aimed at galvanizing coordinated actions for the prevention and control of NCDs, the project underscores a critical need to avert premature mortality and reduce the burden of morbidity associated with these chronic conditions in the Ethiopian populace. By fostering collaboration and advocacy efforts among various NCD associations, the project aspires to channel collective expertise, resources, and advocacy strategies towards implementing impactful interventions that address the root causes and mitigate the detrimental impacts of NCDs across the nation. Through a cohesive and concerted approach, the Advocacy for Strengthening CENCDA project seeks to drive substantive change, raise awareness, and advocate for policies and interventions that will ultimately enhance the overall health and well-being of the Ethiopian population, paving the way for a healthier and more resilient society.

CTFK Supported Project

The Mathiwos Wondu – YeEthiopia Cancer Society (MWECS) has been supported by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) on a project titled “Support Enforcement of Regional Implementing Regulations, Smoke-Free Environment, and Implementation of Pictorial Health Warnings in Ethiopia”. The partnership between MWECS and CTFK dates back to 2014 and has yielded remarkable achievements in tobacco control programs in Ethiopia. The current grant runs from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, focusing on federal and selected regional areas such as Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Afar, and Somali. The project aims to support the enforcement of tobacco control implementing regulations, implementation of smoke-free provisions in selected areas, and the rollout of pictorial health warnings. Collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority, regional governments, and civil society organizations, will be key in achieving the objectives set out. The expected outcomes include the adoption of federal and regional regulations, increased numbers of smoke-free establishments, and the successful implementation of pictorial health warnings in the designated regions.

The Ethiopia I-ELCAP Program, scheduled from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2026, is a new two-year initiative aimed at implementing the International Early Lung and Cardiac Action Program in Ethiopia. The project will focus on lung cancer screening support with low-dose CT (LDCT) at three sites, including Tikure Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, and Jimma University Medical Center. The implementation process involves steps such as feasibility assessment, program development, and assessment after the baseline round of screening. Through this project, the aim is to enhance lung screening capacities, improve quality assurance measures, support multidisciplinary teams, increase the number of screening participants, and introduce artificial intelligence techniques to enhance efficiency. The project, costing $100,000, will be funded by BMSF and aims to contribute to early diagnosis of lung cancer through advanced screening technologies in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Multinational Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Control Phase II Project, led by Mathiwos Wondu-YeEthiopia Cancer Society (MWECS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, regional health bureaus, and four implementing partners, is a continuation of the successful Phase I project funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMSF). Running from January 2024 to December 2025, this two-year initiative aims to strengthen the health system for lung cancer treatment and control, focusing on improving early screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survival of lung cancer patients in four regions of Ethiopia. Specific objectives include enhancing the health system for cancer care and support, building capacity across various healthcare cadres, increasing awareness among target community groups, facilitating early diagnosis and palliative care, conducting research to enhance knowledge about lung cancer, and establishing a Lung Cancer Register system for cancer data, survivorship, and research. Stakeholders and implementing partners include the Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa University, St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, target health facilities, private health facilities, and the collaborating organizations such as AMREF Health Africa, Doctors with Africa CUAMME, Marry Joy Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian Thoracic Society. The project targets regions such as Addis Ababa, Oromia, Afar, and Amhara for the implementation of its comprehensive lung cancer care and support initiatives.