UNRWA premises go 100% smoke free

AMMAN — All UNRWA premises are now 100% Smoke Free", the agency announced at an event on Sunday at its field office in Amman.

Roger Davies, director of UNRWA operations in Jordan, who announced the new initiative, described tobacco as "probably the worst epidemic in the world today".

He also emphasised the dangers of second-hand smoke, stating that the agency's new policy aims to protect its staff and community, guaranteeing a space free from smoke.

"When you go to the [refugee] camps and you see children aged seven or eight smoking, it's terrible," Davies told The Jordan Times, emphasising that the project aims to target young people in particular.

He noted that the aim is to ensure smoke-free interaction with the refugee community in schools, clinics and the like. 

Ishtaiwi Abu Zayed, chief of the field health programme, said the policy was implemented in line with UN resolution 68/3 banning smoking and tobacco sales at its headquarters.

He added that a circular explaining the new ban has been distributed to all UNRWA affiliates in the country — including schools, cafeterias and transportation services — and the agency will help all its employees trying to kick the habit.

Riyad Zeighan, chairperson of the Area Staff Union, said the agency hopes to launch a campaign about the ills of smoking, particularly targeting 10th graders in UNRWA schools.

Speaking at the launch, HH Princess Dina Mired, director general of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation, lauded UNRWA's new initiative saying: "You will be saving lots of lives." 

She also noted that countries in the West have "closed the tap on the tobacco companies… [so] now they have us… they want to steal our youth", emphasising the need to address the culture of smoking in the Kingdom. 

The princess said it is absurd that the country continues to have to fight to keep smoking out of clinics and schools. 

Princess Dina voiced hope that Sunday's launch will empower non-smokers to speak up and have the confidence to demand a space free from tobacco.

Feras Hawari, director of the King Hussein Cancer Centre’s cancer control office, told The Jordan Times that UNRWA's decision has come at a "critical" time, with tobacco use "spreading fiercely" in the Kingdom.

The oncologist said he hopes the message will be "contagious" to other institutions.

"We cannot wait any longer, we have the number of cancer patients rising, not just cancer but also heart disease, respiratory illnesses and diabetes… Jordan has limited resources [and] will not be able to provide health insurance for every single person... if we don't lead with prevention."

Students from UNRWA schools performed songs and plays at the event, and an agency employee who recently quit smoking gave a testimony in which he emphasised the role love plays in helping people kick the habit: love for family and one's children and the desire to be a good role model.