The Higher Population Council (HPC) has warned of the extensive health and economic repercussions of tobacco use in Jordan. It pointed out that more than half of Jordanians aged 15 and older consume tobacco in its various forms, while 83% of users started smoking before the age of 24.
اضافة اعلان
On the occasion of World No-Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31, the Council noted that this year's theme, "Exposing the False Allure - Combating Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction," highlights marketing tactics targeting adolescents and young people through diverse flavors and attractive packaging.
According to the Council's data, males account for 71% of tobacco users in Jordan, while females represent 29%. Furthermore, 38% of smokers picked up the habit before reaching the age of 18.
Socio-Economic Impact of Smoking
The Council indicated that lower-income groups are the most vulnerable to cigarette smoking, explaining that the poorest smokers spend an amount on cigarettes equivalent to 25 times what they spend on health, 10 times what they spend on education, and about 1.5 times what they spend on food.
It added that the average monthly expenditure on cigarettes stands at 78 JOD per smoker. This significantly compromises the ability of low-income families to meet their basic needs, including food, medicine, education, and loan repayments.
Health Challenges and Costs
On the health front, the Council highlighted the registration of 10,755 cancer cases in Jordan in 2022, noting that three of the most common types of cancer in the Kingdom are closely linked to smoking. The annual cost of cancer treatment is estimated at approximately 350 million JOD and is projected to rise to over 500 million JOD by 2030.
The Council emphasized that tobacco use is not merely a health burden, but an economic and social challenge that exacerbates cycles of poverty and illness. It called for intensifying efforts to curb smoking, protect public health, and improve the quality of life for individuals and families.
