BACKGROUND: Tobacco industry interference stymies the implementation of effective tobacco control policies. Jordan is among the countries with the highest tobacco use prevalence globally and in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Understanding the extent of tobacco industry interference index (TIII) and evaluating the Government's response to recommendations from civil society is essential for advancing tobacco control efforts.
METHODS: This study involved civil society organizations (CSOs) employing multiple data sources to report the frequency, types, and severity of tobacco industry interference in Jordan. Specifically, desk reviews of publicly disclosed documents (governmental or other), interviews with key stakeholders, and whistleblower testimonials were conducted. Findings were analyzed using the TIII criteria. A comparative analysis of Jordan’s four TII reports from 2019 to 2023 was then conducted followed by an evaluation of the extent of implementation of recommendations in the reports (up to December 2024).
RESULTS: The TIII scores for Jordan consistently indicated high levels of interference, with scores of 79, 78, 78 and 82 out of 100 in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023 respectively. The deterioration in 2023 reflected increased industry participation in policy development, greater benefits to the industry, diminished transparency, and heightened conflict of interest, particularly involving former civil servants employed by the industry. Across the reports, 13 unique recommendations emerged. Of these, four were fully implemented, including integration of periodic TIII assessments in Jordan’s National Tobacco Control Strategy 2024-2026. Two recommendations were partially implemented (capacity-building efforts on Article 5.3 and leveraging Access to Information law), while eight remained stagnant.
CONCLUSIONS: Jordan continues to experience high levels of tobacco industry interference, largely driven by strong lobbying efforts. Accelerating the full implementation of Article 5.3 of the FCTC and addressing the remaining CSO recommendations are essential to reducing interference and achieving progress in tobacco control.