Iraq Moves to Ban E-Cigarettes Amid Alarming Rise in Youth Use, Health Official Warns
“Every five Iraqis—one is a smoker,” Kilani revealed, citing official Ministry of Health statistics.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iraq's Ministry of Health has announced plans to implement a nationwide ban on the import, sale, and circulation of electronic cigarettes, citing growing health concerns and a disturbing increase in their use among youth, including children and young girls.
In a televised interview on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Dr. Wasim Kilani, Assistant Director of Iraq’s National Anti-Tobacco Program at the Ministry of Health, stated that a new legislative measure, titled the "Law for Protection from the Harmful Effects of Tobacco," is set to be passed soon. This law will decisively prohibit the entry and commercial exchange of e-cigarettes—commonly known in Iraq as "vape"—and will include clear enforcement mechanisms such as fines, legal penalties, and confiscation of the devices.
“Every five Iraqis—one is a smoker,” Kilani revealed, citing official Ministry of Health statistics. He added that smoking ranks among the top ten causes of death in the country, underlining the urgency of legislative action.
Kilani warned that e-cigarettes pose serious health risks and are becoming particularly popular among children, teenagers, and even young girls, due in part to their colorful designs and appealing flavors. “These devices have a dangerous impact on the brain and cognitive functions,” he said.
The Ministry’s decision follows growing concern among Iraqi health professionals about the rapid spread of vaping, a trend that mirrors global patterns, especially among youth. However, unlike in many Western countries where regulation has lagged behind usage trends, Iraq is seeking to respond proactively.
A Broader Public Health Crisis
The crackdown on vaping is part of a broader national anti-tobacco campaign. Iraq, like many countries in the Middle East, has long battled high rates of cigarette smoking, but the introduction of e-cigarettes has complicated the landscape by attracting a younger, tech-savvy demographic who often perceive vaping as a safer alternative.
Public health experts in Iraq have emphasized that e-cigarettes are not risk-free and may act as a gateway to traditional tobacco use. The government hopes that banning vaping products will not only protect public health but also prevent the normalization of nicotine addiction among Iraq’s next generation.
While the bill still awaits formal passage, Dr. Kilani affirmed that its implementation will be strictly enforced, and he urged citizens, especially parents and educators, to support the effort to curb the vaping epidemic before it spirals further out of control.
Regional and Global Trends
Iraq’s move echoes similar actions taken by countries such as India, Thailand, and Brazil, which have also implemented bans or strict regulations on e-cigarettes due to health concerns. Meanwhile, in countries where vaping is still permitted, governments are under increasing pressure to impose stricter controls, particularly in light of rising underage usage.
The Ministry of Health’s proactive stance signals a turning point in Iraq’s public health policy, aiming to shift both cultural attitudes and legislative approaches toward nicotine products in all their forms.
Smoking and Vaping in Iraq – Key Statistics
- Smoking Prevalence: Approximately 18.7% of Iraqi adults smoke, with a significant gender disparity: 36% of males and 1.6% of females, according to Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction.
- Youth Smoking: About 11% of Iraqi youth are current smokers, according to the latest Global Youth Tobacco Survey.
- Health Impact: Smoking is responsible for 11.71% of all deaths in Iraq, with 15.47% of male deaths and 6.05% of female deaths attributed to tobacco use, according to Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction.
- Economic Cost: Iraqis spend nearly 3 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $2 million) daily on tobacco products, according to the Iraqi Health Ministry statistics.
- E-Cigarette Usage: E-cigarettes are increasingly popular among Iraqi youth, including children and young girls, due to their colorful designs and appealing flavors, according to the Iraqi Health Ministry.
