Agreement signed to tighten smoking inspections

AMMAN — The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) and the Ministry of Health on Thursday, in the attendance of HH Princess Dina Mired, signed an authorisation agreement related to inspecting smoking violations.

The agreement was drafted in cooperation with the World Health Organisation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Princess Dina said that the agreement maintains the law to confront the spread of smoking, especially among young people. 

A survey from the past 12 months showed that 50 per cent of smokers are likely want to quit, but they need support, the princess said.

She warned that one-third of cancer cases are caused by smoking. 

The princess further noted that the COVID-19 pandemic showed smoking was associated with ICU admission. 

Health Minister Feras Al Hawari said that Jordan is among the world’s three countries with the highest smoking rates. 

According to a study conducted in 2019, Jordan topped Middle East countries in the prevalence of smoking. It also noted that 80 per cent of adults in Jordan are exposed to second-hand smoking, according to Petra.