Ethiopia has taken a significant step in strengthening its public health system with the introduction of dedicated budget allocations for tobacco control at both federal and city levels, marking a milestone in the country’s fight against tobacco-related harm.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids has welcomed the move, describing it as a clear demonstration of Ethiopia’s sustained commitment to reducing tobacco use and safeguarding public health. In a statement, Bintou Camara Bityeki, Associate Vice President of Africa Programs at the organization, said the new financial commitments represent a turning point in ensuring long-term, sustainable tobacco control efforts.
For the first time, Ethiopia’s federal government has introduced a specific budget line for tobacco control, allocating more than 23 million Ethiopian birr to the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA). The funding is expected to enhance regulatory enforcement, public awareness, and compliance with existing tobacco control measures.
At the sub-national level, Addis Ababa’s city administration has committed approximately 120 million birr to bolster tobacco control initiatives. The funds will be distributed through the city’s health regulatory authority and across its 11 sub-cities, supporting localized enforcement and prevention strategies.
Public health advocates say the allocations build on Ethiopia’s existing progress, including the adoption of one of Africa’s most comprehensive tobacco control laws and recent survey data indicating a decline in tobacco use. The new funding is expected to reinforce these gains by enabling more consistent implementation and monitoring of tobacco regulations.
“These historic investments show what is possible when countries translate their commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control into concrete action,” Bityeki noted. She emphasized, however, that the effectiveness of the initiative will depend on the timely disbursement and efficient utilization of the allocated funds.
Experts argue that sustained financing is essential to counter the long-term health and economic burdens associated with tobacco use, which remains a growing concern across many African countries. By institutionalizing funding mechanisms, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a regional leader in tobacco control and public health policy.
