Smoking kills 1,550 Jordanians every year — PM

AMMAN — Around 1,550 people die every year in Jordan as a result of smoking, which contributes to other deaths as it reduce immunity, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said Saturday.

Attending the opening of the National Anti-Smoking Society’s (NAS) second conference, Ensour added that he was keen to participate in the event to support the national campaign launched by the society to combat smoking, and to assist it through deeds, resolutions and guidance.

Combating smoking is not just the government’s responsibility; it requires the efforts of the entire community, especially since tobacco’s effects are not limited to financial and health losses to smokers, but also endangers others, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, quoted the premier as saying.

Health Minister Ali Hiasat referred to an international survey on smoking prevalence among young people, which was implemented in Jordan in 2014.

The study showed that 24 per cent of those between the ages of 13 and 15 use at least one tobacco product.

Also speaking at the event, dubbed “The economic dimension and the role of the national media”, Jordan Press Association President Tareq Momani said applying laws aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of tobacco use and prohibiting smokers from smoking in public places are key to tackling the issue.

He also expressed the media’s readiness to play its role through implementing a practical and serious awareness programme, Petra added.

NAS President Mohammad Shreim praised the government’s procedures to combat smoking through banning it in ministries, government institutions and public areas, stressing that Jordan was among the first Arab countries to enact anti-smoking laws warning in 1977.

Founded in 1981, the society has called for establishing an Arab anti-smoking union.

Amman Chamber of Commerce President Issa Murad noted that Jordanians annually consume around 1.7 million cartons of cigarettes whose cost exceeds JD0.5 billion and equals 5 per cent of the Kingdom’s imports, according to Petra.