Transforming Addis Ababa: Efforts to Create a Smoke-Free Model City in Africa
Efforts are underway to transform Addis Ababa into a model city in Africa by creating a smoke-free environment and safeguarding the next generation from the dangers of tobacco.
On May 16, 2024, in anticipation of International No Tobacco Day on May 23, the Addis Ababa City Food and Drug Authority, in collaboration with various stakeholders, launched a tobacco awareness campaign. According to Heran Gerba, Director General of the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority, significant measures are being implemented to protect the city’s future from the harmful effects of tobacco.
Ethiopia has ratified the World Health Organization’s tobacco control framework and enacted Proclamation 1112/2011, which includes stringent tobacco control laws. Heran emphasized that achieving the vision of nurturing a healthy, leading citizenry can be realized by continuously monitoring, evaluating, and researching tobacco reduction initiatives, supported by committed management and stakeholders.
Through an initiative launched three years ago, it has been demonstrated that making Addis Ababa smoke-free is achievable. Tobacco-free environments have been successfully established in the city’s schools, shared housing areas, healthcare facilities, hotels, restaurants, youth centers, parks, and other popular gathering spots, showcasing a significant step toward a healthier city.
