While the COVID-19 virus spared
no country with its infliction, the
tobacco industry exploited the pandemic
to increase its business. The Eastern
Mediterranean Region (EMR), like other
regions, was not spared and experienced
tobacco industry interference which
undermined and compromised public
health policy.

The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) has
been monitoring and documenting instances of tobacco industry
interference for more than two decades. The reports of the
countries represent the continuation of these efforts that are
much needed by decision makers to make informed decisions
on the implementation of Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework
Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Eight countries from the EMR (Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon,
Oman, Pakistan and Sudan) who participated in the Global
Tobacco Industry Interference Index (Index), recorded various
forms of interference and governments’ responses to these
instances of meddling. Governments received and endorsed
charity from the tobacco industry during the pandemic, allowed
tobacco (non-essential product) to continue production during
lockdown. Some governments were persuaded to treat new
tobacco products more favourably and even awarded the
tobacco industry as an exemplary industry.

These actions are contrary to Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC.
All eight countries participating in the survey are parties to the
WHO FCTC and hence obliged to implement tobacco control
measures, reduce tobacco use and to protect their health policies
from interference from commercial and other vested interest.
The EMR is targeted by the global tobacco industry looking
to expand its market for cigarettes as well as new tobacco
products. Transnational tobacco companies are expanding in
the EMR through joint ventures and acquisitions. Japan Tobacco
International (JTI), for example, acquired the Sudanese cigarette
manufacturer, Haggar, Egyptian waterpipe company Al Nakhla,
and more recently extended its joint manufacturing agreement
with Eastern Company for another three years. Tobacco industry
websites are vocal about the region as a market for their
products and an opportunity for expansion.

To read the full Index in English and in Arabic

Published in January 2022.