Coverage of tobacco control in Jordanian newspapers: implications for strengthening the role of news media

News media play a critical role in tobacco control. To strengthen this role in Jordan, four newspapers were searched and 1 145 articles between 2011 and 2015 were coded for mention of MPOWER topics and for tone of coverage [neutral, pro-, or anti-tobacco control]. Monthly counts, mention of tobacco control topics and the tones were examined. The monthly count of tobacco control-related news items showed an upward trend with an average monthly growth of 16%. Peaks in coverage were observed in synchrony with national tobacco control developments. 'Warn' was the topic most frequently mentioned [46%]. 'Protect' was the only topic that showed a statistically significant upward trend over time. A pro-tobacco control tone was more prevalent than an anti-tobacco control or neutral tone. Thus, efforts are needed to enhance the newsworthiness of certain topics, boost influence on decision-makers and pre-empt industry interference

Advancing tobacco dependence treatment services in the eastern mediterranean region international collaboration for training and capacity-building

Tobacco use negatively affects health and is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases [NCDs]. Today, tobacco use ranks third among risk factors in North Africa and the Middle East in terms of disease burden. Despite the established need for these services, tobacco dependence treatment [TDT] services are still inadequate in the Eastern Mediterranean region [EMR]. Among the main challenges hindering their expansion is the current lack of training opportunities. The provision of training and capacity-building-a key enabler of TDT-offers an excellent catalyst to launch TDT services in the region. This review discusses the need for TDT training in the EMR and describes a model for providing regional evidence-based training in line with international standards. The King Hussein Cancer Center in Amman, Jordan, is the regional host for Global Bridges, a worldwide TDT initiative. Using this model, they have trained 1,500 professionals and advocates from the EMR over the past three years