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Iraqis Spend 3 Billion Dinars Daily on Tobacco: Health and Environmental Impacts Highlighted on National Anti-Smoking Day

Economic Impact of Tobacco Consumption in Iraq

On Sunday, the tobacco control program within Iraq’s Ministry of Health reported that Iraqis allocate approximately three billion dinars daily—equivalent to around two million dollars—toward the purchase of tobacco products. This expenditure is particularly pertinent as Iraq observes its National Day to Refrain from Smoking on February 2, commemorating the anniversary of the Anti-Smoking Law No. 19 of 2012.

Dr. Wassim Keelane, the program director, emphasized that this year’s observance will highlight the considerable health, environmental, and economic consequences associated with tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke. The chosen slogan for this year’s campaign is "Smoking Detracts from the Beauty and Femininity of Women," focusing on the severe health risks that smoking poses to women. Notably, smoking accounts for the deaths of over 8 million people annually, including approximately 1.5 million women out of a global total of 200 million female smokers, predominantly residing in low to middle-income countries.

Dr. Keelane pointed out that research indicates female smokers are at a higher risk than their non-smoking counterparts for various health issues, including cervical cancer, infertility, delayed pregnancies, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome. Iraq ranks as one of the nations with high tobacco product consumption, with daily expenditures reaching around 3 billion dinars across diverse forms, including traditional cigarettes, flavored products, and heated tobacco items, as reported by a study from the Ministry of Planning.

Additionally, the Central Agency for Standardization and Quality Control, also part of the Ministry of Planning, is responsible for setting the standard specifications for tobacco products. This includes defining specifications for various forms, with forthcoming regulations likely to address heated tobacco products. The established standards require these items to bear quality marks and include health risk warnings, alongside disclosures of nicotine content and other ingredients.

Despite these established standards and import controls, tobacco products continue to enter Iraq through illicit channels. The prevalence of these products in the market is exacerbated by industry practices that facilitate easy access for consumers. Dr. Keelane noted that in 2020, the Consultative Safety Authority implemented a ban on the trading, selling, importing, manufacturing, and advertising of electronic cigarettes.

Furthermore, a draft law aimed at protecting society from tobacco-related health hazards is currently with the Health and Environment Committee in Parliament. This legislative measure, which has already undergone first and second readings, is poised for a vote and is designed to safeguard individuals and society from the health implications associated with all varieties of tobacco products.

For updates on tobacco control measures and related health initiatives, stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed through relevant channels.


Key Tobacco Expenditure and Health Statistics
Daily Spending on Tobacco: 3 billion dinars (~$2 million)
Annual Deaths from Smoking (Global): 8 million
Annual Female Fatalities from Smoking: 1.5 million
Global Female Smokers: 200 million
Dangers for Female Smokers: cervical cancer, infertility, low birth weight, increased risk of sudden infant death
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