HRH Princess Ghida Talal Launches Awareness Campaign for World No Tobacco Day Under the Slogan “Don’t Choose This Path”
Amman – 31 May 2026: HRH Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) and Center (KHCC), launched an awareness campaign under the slogan “Don’t Choose This Path” to mark World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31.
On the occasion, Princess Ghida stated:
“Smoking is a global health catastrophe, and combating it is a duty we owe to future generations. We carry the responsibility to change the painful prevalence of tobacco use in Jordan through every available resource and scientific expertise.”
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and nicotine addiction, which is directly linked to more than 16 types of cancer. Smoking is also a leading cause of lung cancer, and smoking-related diseases remain the second leading cause of death in Jordan after heart disease.
Approximately 9,000 deaths are recorded annually in Jordan as a result of smoking-related diseases, while smoking prevalence has reached 51% among Jordanians, placing Jordan among the countries with the highest smoking rates globally.
The campaign, launched with support from the Jordan Petroleum Refinery CO.LTD. “JoPetrol” comes in response to the alarming spread of smoking among young people. Smoking prevalence stands at 59% among individuals aged 25–34, 50% among those aged 18–24, and 31% among adolescents aged 15–17.
In addition, 38.6% of smokers began using tobacco or nicotine products before the age of 18, negatively affecting brain development and lung growth, and contributing to reduced concentration, increased anxiety, and lower academic performance during childhood and adolescence.
Smoking cessation services are available in Jordan through Ministry of Health clinics across all governorates, in addition to the Smoking Cessation Clinic at the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), which offers comprehensive treatment programs that combine behavioral and pharmacological support for individuals seeking to quit smoking. These services are delivered by physicians specialized in tobacco addiction treatment.