A startling 66.1% of males in Jordan are smokers, according to the 2019 Jordan National Stepwise Survey. A further 15.9% of males use electronic cigarettes. Moreover, according to the “WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2030”, published in 2023, Jordan is one of just 6 countries globally where tobacco use is still growing.
These statistics underscore the critical importance of the strategy, which comes in response to directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II that emphasize the critical need to combat smoking – especially among young people – and enforce public health laws effectively.
The Ministry of Health developed the strategy in collaboration with the WHO Country Office in Jordan. It incorporates contributions from various ministries, nongovernmental organizations and international experts. This approach has ensured that the strategy is a comprehensive, evidence-based road map tailored to the Jordanian context.
Marking the important milestone with a photo with Princess Dina Mired, a global advocate for Tobacco Control
The Jordanian cabinet’s adoption of the National Strategy on 24 March 2024 marks a high-level commitment to tackle one of today’s most urgent public health challenges. The launch event coincided with World No Tobacco Day 2024, marked under the theme “Youth Step In and Speak Out” to highlight global and national efforts to protect young people from the tobacco industry’s aggressive marketing tactics.
At the launch event, the Minister of Health, His Excellency Professor Feras Hawari, said, “The directives of His Majesty the King have galvanized all stakeholders, including ministries, official institutions and civil society organizations, to work collectively with international partners to combat smoking and enforce public health laws. Our goal is to safeguard the health of individuals and society, especially protecting children and adolescents from the dangers of smoking.”
Dr Jamela Al-Raiby, WHO Representative to Jordan, praised the strategy’s launch as a pivotal step towards public health goals in Jordan. “We commend the Jordanian government’s efforts in developing this strategy based on the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. WHO remains committed to supporting Jordan in intensifying efforts to combat tobacco use,” she said.
Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, remarked on the launch: “Congratulations to Ministry of Health on the launch of the National Strategy to Combat Tobacco and Smoking 2024–2030. This is an important milestone following the call of HM King Abdullah II for intensified efforts to combat tobacco use in the country. WHO continues to work with the government, partners, and local communities to effectively curb the spread of tobacco use and safeguard the nation’s health.”
With this united effort, Jordan aims to foster a healthier future, free from the harms of tobacco and nicotine addiction. The collective action promises to pave the way towards a tobacco-free Jordan, ensuring healthier generations to come.
