Arab countries record one of the highest smoking rates among adolescents, and the Health Organization warns of temptations

Tobacco abuse is the main cause of death that can be avoided globally, and the World Health Organization region bears the eastern Mediterranean (which includes Arab countries) a heavy burden in this regard.

The region records the highest rates of smoking among adolescents, as countries such as Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt are ranked among countries with higher rates in this phenomenon at the global level.

The promotion of new nicotine products, such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, has increased their addiction rates among the affected groups.

Globally, 37 million children are between the ages of 13 and 15 years of tobacco. In the eastern Mediterranean region, smoking rates in some areas reached 43% among adolescents (between 13 and 15 years) and 20% among adolescents.

The highest prevalence of tobacco abuse between boys in the occupied Palestinian land (West Bank) is recorded by 43.3%, followed by Jordan by 33.9%and Syria by 31.6%.

Dr. Hanan Hassan Belkhi, the regional director of the World Health Organization, says: “Our region records the highest smoking rates among young people globally. It requires urgent intervention to protect future generations. Let us stand one row, and announce them in a clear and firm voice: no for more tricks or deception. Let’s unite together in order to build a future free of tobacco and its risks.”

The World Health Organization expressed in press releaseAbout anxiety about the dwindling gap in tobacco abuse between men and women, where more women and girls begin to smoke, which exposes them to health risks such as cervical cancer, osteoporosis and fertility problems.

In response to the “terrifying rise” in tobacco use between women and adolescents, the regional office launched a guided initiative, indicating that women and teenage girls share weaknesses, including economic social factors and health care needs that make them vulnerable to being affected by the methods of this industry.

The organization stressed the need for governments, parties concerned and local communities to work for:

• Blocking tobacco products and attractive designs,
• Place healthy warnings on tobacco products,
• Restricting and promoting tobacco advertisement,
• Increase the imposition of taxes on tobacco products.