Smoking in Iraq
In Iraq, the prevalence of tobacco smoking among adults aged 15 years and older, as estimated in 2024, indicates a significant gender disparity. The prevalence rate among males was 37.3%, while among females, it was notably lower with 1.7%. Overall, the adult current smoking prevalence was 19.3%, showcasing a slight increase from 18.9% in 2020. The total number of smokers in 2024 was estimated to be 5.5 million individuals. For reference, the adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence in 2017 was 19.6%, with 36.1% among males and 1.8% among females. These figures are crucial in understanding the public health impact of tobacco smoking in the country. In terms of smoking-related mortality, the data from 2021 show that smoking led to 11.71% of all deaths in the country, with 15.47% of all deaths among males and 6.05% of deaths among females. The annual number of tobacco smoking-attributable deaths in 2021 was 27,305, with males accounting for 21,685 deaths and females for 5,620. These data highlight the ongoing challenge of tobacco smoking and its significant impact on public health in Iraq.
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May 09, 2025 by kurdistan24.net
Iraq Moves to Ban E-Cigarettes Amid Alarming Rise in Youth Use, Health Official Warns
Iraq’s Ministry of Health plans to implement a nationwide ban on the import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes due to rising health concerns and increased use among youth. Dr. Wasim Kilani announced that a new law, the "Law for Protection from the Harmful Effects of Tobacco," will soon be passed, including penalties and enforcement measures. He noted that one in five Iraqis smokes and that smoking is among the top ten causes of death in the country.