Effective Implementation of Tobacco Control Proclamations Requires Robust Enforcement and Strong Multisectoral Collaboration

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 and supporting national institutions to protect communities from the harms of tobacco use.

As part of this effort, WHO Ethiopia provided technical and financial support to conduct a capacity-building training for multi-agency enforcement sectors on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) guidelines and national tobacco control measures from 15 to 19 December 2025 in Adama, Ethiopia.

The training was attended by 60 participants from key enforcement institutions, including the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), the Federal Police, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Trade, Regional Health Bureau regulatory offices, civil society organizations and partners, as well as the WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) and the WHO Ethiopia Country Office.

The initiative on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and country-specific proclamations marked a significant milestone in Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to advance the implementation of the WHO FCTC and the national Tobacco Control Proclamation.

The objective of the training was to strengthen the capacity of enforcement sectors for the effective implementation and enforcement of tobacco control measures at national and subnational levels.

According to the WHO 2025 Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, tobacco use remains a significant global health challenge, responsible for more than seven million deaths annually and causing long-term disability and suffering from tobacco-related diseases. In Africa, the tobacco industry continues to target young people and vulnerable communities, threatening progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In line with WHO FCTC guidelines, the Government of Ethiopia, with the support of partners and stakeholders, enacted Tobacco Control Proclamation No. 1112/2019, which establishes comprehensive measures to reduce tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.

"The proclamation includes 100% smoke-free public places, a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS), standardized packaging and labelling requirements, and increased tobacco taxation," said Dr Fahmi Ahmed, WHO Ethiopia Infection Prevention and Control Officer, speaking on behalf of Professor Francis Chisaka Kasolo, WHO Representative a.i. and Director of the WHO Liaison Office to the African Union and UNECA.

He stressed that effective implementation of tobacco control proclamations and related legislation requires robust enforcement and strong multisectoral collaboration among stakeholders and partners.

Ethiopia's Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2024 report shows a modest improvement compared to 2016, with overall tobacco use declining slightly from 5% to 4.6%. However, daily smoking prevalence and cigarette consumption remain persistent. Dr Fahmi noted that these findings underscore the need to close enforcement gaps through strengthened 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 capacity-building effort sought to address enforcement gaps, protect young people and reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases nationwide.

WHO Ethiopia has played a key role in supporting EFDA to design, adapt and implement Tobacco Control Proclamation No. 1112/2019, thereby advancing comprehensive tobacco control measures in Ethiopia.

Across its three levels, WHO continues to support the acceleration of the national tobacco control strategic plan, including tobacco taxation, enforcement of smoke-free policies, bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS), cessation support and public awareness activities.