The Jordan Times

Amman-based Hikma Pharmaceuticals hosted last week a group discussion session on ways to promote a smoke-free community beyond the workplaces. Hikma joined forces with the Cancer Control Office at King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC) to share its expertise on creating a smoke-free work environment and increase awareness about the hazards of smoking. This year, the session focused on taking action against smoking: the next steps. It was attended by leading companies in Jordan whom have been certified by the KHCC for being smoke-free, namely Aramex, Umniah, Teeba, Siniora foods, Kawar Group and UAE Exchange.The companies investigated how to collaborate to expand their smoke-free experience beyond their workplace. They proposed ideas to raise community awareness through creating educational programmes and volunteering, and discussed ways of improving protection against second hand smoking. Hikma Pharmaceuticals has implemented smoke-free corporate policies in all its premises worldwide since 1994. It has been featured in the “Smoke-Free-in-a-Box” toolkit that is available in multiple languages to offer practical guidance for other companies in the MENA region to follow suit.