Ethiopia’s landmark budget allocations signal sustained commitment to reducing tobacco use

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids applauds the Ethiopian government for two new actions that signal the country’s continued commitment to driving down rates of tobacco use and saving lives. For the first time, Ethiopia and its capital city of Addis Ababa have adopted budgets with dedicated funding for tobacco control. These funds are a milestone in sustainable financing for public health and can help support a healthy future for all Ethiopians. 

These crucial investments in tobacco control bring further momentum to important progress already made in Ethiopia, including one of the strongest tobacco control laws in Africa and recent surveys showing progress in reducing tobacco use. Now, for the first time, the country’s federal budget includes a dedicated tobacco control line of over 23 million Ethiopian birr (approximately $150,000) for the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA). In addition, the Addis Ababa city government has dedicated around 120 million birr (approximately $750,000) to strengthen tobacco control in the capital, with resources channeled to the city’s health regulatory authority and its 11 sub-cities.

These historic investments show what is possible when Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control back their commitment to public health with meaningful action. Now, the focus must turn to ensuring these funds are fully disbursed and used effectively to strengthen tobacco control policies. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids stands ready to support these important efforts.