Ethiopia is accelerating the implementation of its Tobacco Control Proclamation through strengthened enforcement systems and coordinated multisectoral action, with the World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia Country Office playing a central role in translating policy into practice. The initiative supports national institutions in protecting communities from the harms of tobacco use, ensuring that legislation is effectively applied across the country.
As part of this effort, WHO Ethiopia provided technical and financial support for a capacity-building training held from 15 to 19 December 2025 in Adama. The training targeted multi-agency enforcement sectors and focused on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) guidelines and Ethiopia’s national tobacco control measures. Sixty participants attended, including representatives from the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), Federal Police, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Trade, Regional Health Bureaus, civil society organizations, and WHO offices at regional and national levels.
The training marked a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to advance the WHO FCTC and Tobacco Control Proclamation No. 1112/2019. Its primary objective was to strengthen the capacity of enforcement sectors to implement and enforce tobacco control measures effectively at national and subnational levels, addressing gaps that hinder compliance and protecting public health.
Tobacco use remains a major global health challenge, causing more than seven million deaths annually and long-term disability worldwide. In Africa, the tobacco industry continues to target young people and vulnerable communities, threatening progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Ethiopia’s Tobacco Control Proclamation aligns with WHO FCTC guidelines and includes measures such as 100% smoke-free public places, comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS), standardized packaging and labelling requirements, and increased tobacco taxation.
While Ethiopia’s 2024 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) shows a slight decline in overall tobacco use from 5% in 2016 to 4.6%, daily smoking prevalence and cigarette consumption remain significant. These findings highlight the importance of closing enforcement gaps through coordinated action, stronger multisectoral collaboration, and integration with broader public health services.
By bringing together health authorities, customs, police, trade offices, civil society organizations, and other government agencies, the training aimed to enhance enforcement capacity, protect young people, and reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases nationwide. WHO Ethiopia has also supported EFDA in designing, adapting, and implementing Tobacco Control Proclamation No. 1112/2019, reinforcing comprehensive tobacco control strategies across the country.
WHO continues to support Ethiopia’s national tobacco control strategic plan, including initiatives on tobacco taxation, enforcement of smoke-free policies, TAPS bans, cessation support, and public awareness campaigns, ensuring a coordinated approach to reducing tobacco-related harm and advancing public health objectives.
