An investigation by The Guardian has found that multinational tobacco companies, including Philip Morris, Japan Tobacco and The British American Tobacco in Jordan have been interfering in shaping public health policies and laws. The investigation follows a World Health Organisation (WHO) and government study that the smoking rate in Jordan has become the highest in the world. Many public health advocates and analysts believe due to the widespread influence of tobacco companies, including meeting with Jordanian government to discuss their e-cigarette and heated products. In addition, Jordan loses £1.85 billion a year in health care costs and loss of productivity, as found by research carried out by the British government, which is more than the amount paid by tobacco companies in taxes, fees and salaries to local workers.

The investigation found, among other things, that lobbyists from tobacco companies have been participating in meetings with government officials to discuss regulations concerning their products to an extent that many advocates condemned these meetings as inappropriate interference in policymaking. Moreover, the investigation claims that government officials have been lobbied by tobacco companies on how to implement public health regulations. Civil society advocates condemn this interference as it violates Jordan’s obligation under the International Tobacco Control treaty to which Jordan is a party. The treaty imposes an obligation on signatory states to protect their public health laws from tobacco companies’ interference.

 Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) said in statements to the Guardian said that “it was normal and lawful for their companies to be consulted as stakeholders when relevant regulatory issues were being debated”. In a similar vein, the British American Tobacco said they “believe that regulators have the right to hear all sides of any debate when they are developing policies”. The Jordanian government confirmed that tobacco companies do not receive different treatment from that of other sectors, while anti-smoking campaigns continue to raise awareness on the issue. 

A week after The Guardian revealed links between high smoking rates and the interference of tobacco companies in shaping public health policies in Jordan, the Jordanian Ministry of Health announced a smoking ban in all enclosed public spaces, including hotels, restaurants and cafes. Public health campaigns such as "Smoking Free Jordan" and "The International Cancer Control" welcomed the announcement and considered it a significant change. However, they were cautious regarding its implementation.