Amman, 28 August 2024 - Under the patronage of HRH Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) and Center (KHCC), KHCC held a session to launch a Position Statement on Electronic Cigarettes in Jordan.
In her speech, Princess Ghida emphasized the urgent need for collective action against smoking: “As stewards of our children’s future and health, we must rise to the challenge, raise awareness, and unite in this crucial fight against smoking. Although the battle is daunting, without immediate intervention it will only become more difficult and challenging in the future. It is our mission to fulfill this responsibility.”
The Position Statement highlights an increase in smoking rates, noting a rise with e-cigarette usage being the highest among university students. It also includes a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at regulating the market for smoking products in Jordan. Key recommendations include restricting the marketing of electronic smoking devices as effective cessation tools, avoiding the promotion of e-cigarettes as acceptable alternatives to traditional tobacco products, and enforcing existing law to prohibit smoking in all its forms in public spaces.
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Her Excellency Mrs. Nisreen Barakat, CEO Jordan Strategy Forum, Participants included His Excellency Professor Dr. Azmi Mahafza, Minister of Education and Higher Education and Scientific Research; Dr. Jamila Al-Raabi, the World Health Organization’s representative in Jordan; and Dr. Asem Mansour, Director General of KHCC. The panel discussed the health risks associated with tobacco products and strategies to mitigate their use across different age groups.
The event was attended by members of Parliament, officials and decision makers from relevant sectors, private sector representatives, and leaders from various associations and non-profit institutions, including Mrs. Nisreen Qatamish, Director General of KHCF.