People are shocked by news that the Iraqi state is now allowing people to get cigarettes with their monthly food stamps.
"Cigarettes have the biggest risk for human beings. I’ve been smoking for 60 years, what have I gained from smoking? You get nothing from it," says Baghdad resident Jabar Mousa.
For those who are addicted and financially unable to buy smokes, the decision is welcomed.
"We welcome that decision to provide us with cigarettes. This is a good step and nothing is wrong with that. I smoke and I like that decision," says Imad Ouda, a Baghdad resident
According to the Iraq’s Ministry of Health, the number of smokers and cancer caused by smoking is increasing.
Each year, 2,500 cases of cancer are caused by smoking in Iraq, according to the ministry.
There are more than 25,000 cancer cases caused by smoking recorded at present.
According to the Iraqi Doctors Syndicate, 40 percent of Iraqis smoke and 20 percent of the smokes are under 18. And 15 percent of women smoke.
Iraq’s Ministry of Trade is in charge of the food vouchers, which people can use to get rice, cooking oil and now cigarettes.
The KRG Ministry of Trade and Industry has already rejected implementation of the decision.
They also confirmed their adherence to a law banning cigarette ads and promotions.
Reporting by Halkawt Aziz
Translation by Sarkawt Mohammed
