Ethiopia Commemorates 38th World No Tobacco Day
Addis Ababa โ May 30, 2025 โ Ethiopia prominently observed the 38th World No Tobacco Day, marking its 33rd national commemoration. The event, held in Addis Ababa, was jointly coordinated by the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) and the Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority (AAFADA).
The commemoration featured press statements from key officials, including Mr. Getachew Genete, Lead Executive for Medicine Manufacturers Inspection and Law Enforcement at the EFDA, and Honorable Mulumebet Tadesse, General Manager of the AAFDA. Representatives from various civic organizations also participated in the press briefing.
This year’s World No Tobacco Day was celebrated under the theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” The central focus of the campaign was to shield youth from addiction by exposing the deceptive strategies employed by tobacco industries.
Statements from both the EFDA and AAFADA underscored the significant health, social, and economic detriments caused by tobacco. Authorities highlighted that youth are particularly susceptible to tobacco use, often influenced by advertising messages disseminated through schools and social media platforms.
The EFDA has been instrumental in promulgating tobacco control proclamations and directives. Concurrently, the AAFDA has undertaken extensive initiatives aimed at making Addis Ababa a smoke-free city. While previous compliance rates were below 40%, recent data indicates that over 75% of establishments now adhere to smoke-free regulations. However, challenges persist regarding the consistency of enforcement efforts.
A call was made for integrated support from all stakeholders to further efforts in establishing a smoke-free Addis Ababa and fostering a healthier generation.
