Addis Ababa Food and Medicine...

Addis Ababa Food and Medicine Authority, Yeka Branch Office: Standing Guard for Public Health in Collaboration with the Community!

Addis Ababa Food and Medicine Authority –

October 31, 2019 (Tikimt 21, 2019 E.C.)

The Yeka Branch Office of the Addis Ababa Food and Medicine Authority held an extensive discussion with stakeholders, civic associations, and local administrative (block) leaders regarding its 2019 fiscal year plan, priority regulatory activities to be executed over the next 90 days, and its performance during the first quarter.

Key Activities and Achievements in the First Quarter

The office recorded several encouraging results during the first quarter of the fiscal year, the highlights of which include:

• Upgrading *Injera* Production Facilities: Through the provision of support and monitoring, 47 *injera* production sheds were brought up to the required standards.

• Addressing Illegal Expired Medical Supplies: As part of its regulatory efforts, the office removed expired medical supplies—estimated to be worth 8 million Birr—that posed a potential risk to public health. This discussion demonstrates the Authority’s commitment—in collaboration with the community—to regulate illegal business activities and safeguard the health of the city's residents.

During the discussion, Mr. Fantahun Tadesse, Manager of the branch office, emphasized that in addition to efforts aimed at protecting the public from health risks, civic associations and local (block) leaders must play an active role in regulatory oversight and work in partnership to address problems associated with illegal practices.

Key Regulatory Activities to be Prioritized Over the Next 90 Days

It was stated that, over the next 90 days, extensive work will be carried out on issues that are of daily concern to the public and require urgent attention. These include:

• Regulating food products and soft drinks that are sensitive to sun exposure;

• Preventing and controlling the distribution of illegal tobacco products;

• Conducting strict monitoring of clean drinking water supplies, juice shops, and butcher shops; and

• Ensuring that school meal programs and childcare centers meet established standards.