Latest news with #Tarawneh
Roya News
01-08-2025
- Health
- Roya News
Experts urge Jordan to build national air quality monitoring system
Jordan is facing growing environmental challenges, with air quality emerging as one of the most urgent issues requiring national attention. While many countries have made significant progress in protecting their citizens from pollution, Jordan is still in need of a comprehensive and structured strategy. Although the Jordanian Ministry of Environment has launched an online platform to display air quality indicators in select areas, Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa, this step, while important, marks a beginning rather than a conclusion. In this context, the Jordanian Association for Respiratory Care has issued a strong, science-based call for the development of an integrated national air quality monitoring system. The initiative, according to the association's president, respiratory diseases consultant Dr. Mohammad Hasan Al-Tarawneh, should be built in partnership between the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Health, and the Meteorological Department, with the goal of protecting public health, especially among vulnerable populations. 'Air quality is no longer a luxury issue, it has become a major challenge to the health of Jordanians,' said Dr. Tarawneh. 'Each person takes about 22,000 breaths per day, and the air we breathe must be clean to ensure a healthy life. Global studies, including reports from the World Health Organization, indicate that air pollution causes over 7 million deaths annually worldwide, 4.2 million of which are due to outdoor air pollution alone. These alarming numbers make environmental monitoring a life-saving task, not just a routine procedure.' Dr. Tarawneh added, 'We're seeing a rise in chronic respiratory diseases in Jordan, including asthma, COPD, and higher rates of lung cancer. These illnesses are directly exacerbated by air pollution. That's why we are calling for current monitoring efforts to be scaled into a fully integrated system, drawing from successful international models.' - Comprehensive system needed - Expanding the national monitoring network: Though there are monitoring stations in Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa, Jordan must expand this network to cover all governorates, as well as industrial and agricultural zones. For instance, the US state of Minnesota has seen improvements in air quality since 2003, but now faces new challenges from wildfire smoke drifting in from Canada. Public awareness and daily transparency: Authorities must provide daily air quality data to the public and media using the globally recognized Air Quality Index (AQI). The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies this index with color-coded levels ranging from 0 to 500 to help people understand the risks: Green (0–50): Good air quality Orange (101–150): Unhealthy for sensitive groups (children, elderly, asthmatics) Red (151–200): Unhealthy for everyone Maroon (301–500): Hazardous, requires immediate action This clear communication empowers individuals to make informed decisions, such as avoiding outdoor activities or wearing masks when air quality is poor. Integrating climate change into monitoring: A recent international report noted that warmer and drier summers are leading to more wildfires and higher ozone pollution levels. In Jordan, climate change could result in more dust storms and rising temperatures, worsening air quality. The Meteorological Department must therefore play a key role in analyzing pollution data and issuing early warnings. Protecting vulnerable populations: The AQI shows that some groups are more at risk, including: People with heart and lung conditions Children and teenagers Adults over 65 Pregnant women Monitoring systems must provide targeted information and practical advice to reduce exposure risks for these groups. - A real-world example - India offers a compelling model. The company Perfect Pollucon Services (PPS) analyzed air quality at a metal factory in Thane, where monitoring data revealed high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during working hours. Employees reported various health complaints. After upgrading the factory's ventilation system, pollution levels dropped by 38 percent, and employee complaints fell by 70 percent. This case shows how air quality monitoring can save lives and improve productivity. - Conclusion - Dr. Tarawneh stressed that building a national air quality monitoring system in Jordan, through collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, and Meteorological Department, is not merely an environmental project, but an investment in the health and future of Jordanians. He concluded, 'We believe in the ability of our national institutions to work together and achieve this vision—ensuring every Jordanian breathes clean air, free from the devastating effects of pollution.'
Roya News
09-05-2025
- Health
- Roya News
Euro-Med Medical Association expresses concern over smear campaigns against Jordan
The spokesperson for the International Euro-Mediterranean Medical Association in Jordan, Dr. Mohammed Tarawneh, confirmed that the association is deeply concerned about what he described as "malicious and systematic campaigns" targeting Jordan's leading humanitarian role, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, toward the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. He added that the association watches with great dismay the desperate attempts to tarnish the image of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which has always been and continues to be a source of support and assistance for its Palestinian brothers, especially during the current dire circumstances faced by Gaza. Dr. Tarawneh stated that these campaigns have reached a dangerous and unacceptable stage, when a well-known London-based website, with clear political motives, launched a direct campaign of doubt and incitement against Jordan and its national institutions, even attempting a vile smear against the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), the long-established Jordanian institution playing a pivotal and noble role in delivering humanitarian aid to the besieged people of Gaza. He emphasized that these false and misleading claims propagated by the website are completely devoid of any evidence or basis in truth, asserting that accusing the JHCO of negligence or manipulation is a pure fabrication. He confirmed that the organization enjoys a solid reputation and high transparency both regionally and internationally. Dr. Tarawneh explained that these baseless accusations are part of a larger systematic effort to undermine Jordan's crucial role in supporting the Palestinian cause and alleviating the suffering of the people of Gaza. He pointed out that the association closely follows and highly values the tireless efforts of Jordan, its king, government, and people, to deliver as much aid as possible to the Gaza Strip, overcoming numerous political and logistical obstacles. He confirmed that this noble humanitarian role reflects a natural continuation of Jordan's historical and steadfast positions toward the Palestinian cause, which is respected and appreciated by all honorable people worldwide. Dr. Tarawneh also expressed the association's full solidarity with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and its wise leadership in the face of these malicious campaigns, renewing deep appreciation for the humanitarian work carried out by the JHCO. He strongly condemned what he called "the incitement campaign led by the British website," describing it as a tool in the hands of parties seeking to serve suspicious agendas. He called on the international community, human rights organizations, and humanitarian institutions to expose these misleading campaigns and stand by Jordan in its noble efforts. Dr. Tarawneh concluded by affirming that attempts to harm Jordan and its humanitarian role will not deter it from continuing to support the Palestinian people and their just cause. He assured that the association, from its ethical and humanitarian responsibility, stands united with Jordan and believes that the voice of truth and justice will ultimately prevail over all advocates of division and deception.
Roya News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Roya News
Income Tax Department urges late filers to avoid penalties
Jordan's Income and Sales Tax Department is urging individuals and businesses who missed the April 30, 2025 deadline for submitting their 2024 income tax returns to act quickly and avoid mounting financial penalties. Director General Hussam Abu Ali thanked taxpayers who filed on time, commending their cooperation and timely electronic submission. He also praised media outlets for their role in raising awareness and encouraging compliance. For those who missed the deadline, the department warns of fines ranging from JOD 100 to JOD 500, with an additional penalty of 0.4 percent weekly for further delays, according to tax advisor Mousa Tarawneh in a statement to Roya News. The department had intensified awareness campaigns leading up to the deadline, emphasizing the importance of tax compliance in boosting public revenues and funding national development projects. Tarawneh stressed the need for accurate filings and timely payments, urging citizens to fulfill what he described as both a legal obligation and a national duty. Tax filing is mandatory for anyone with business activities, and for employees in the public or private sectors whose annual income exceeds JOD 9,000 for individuals or JOD 18,000 for married persons or dependents. All companies are also required to file. However, authorities are facing growing challenges with Jordan's expanding informal economy—unregistered or untaxed businesses, especially active through social media. These include sales of food, clothing, and consulting services conducted without official registration or tax contributions. Tarawneh noted that recent tax reforms have focused on addressing tax evasion within the shadow economy. He stressed that no personal tax deductions will be accepted unless backed by invoices issued through the national billing system. This unregulated growth undermines fair competition, causes major revenue losses, and makes enforcement difficult due to the digital and informal nature of these businesses. Reaffirming the importance of filing, Tarawneh highlighted government efforts to simplify procedures and offer flexibility, such as deferred payment options. Tax revenues, which account for about 26 percent of Jordan's GDP, are crucial for infrastructure, education, health, and debt repayment.
Jordan Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Abdali Investment and Development launches first Women's Cycling Race
Organised in partnership with the Jordan Cycling Federation, the event is scheduled to take place on May 16 in the heart of Abdali (Photo courtesy of Abdali Investment and Development) AMMAN — As part of its commitment to empowering women and championing healthier lifestyles, Abdali Investment and Development on Tuesday announced the launch of its inaugural Women's Cycling Race. Organised in partnership with the Jordan Cycling Federation, the event is scheduled to take place on May 16 in the heart of Abdali, according to a statement by Abdali Investment and Development. This community event aims to spotlight the role of sports in enriching women's lives, encourage widespread engagement in physical wellness and inspire young girls to step into new experiences that build both mental resilience and physical strength within a safe and supportive environment, the company said. To ensure broad participation and make the event accessible to all, the company is offering complimentary bicycles and helmets for those without their own gear, along with free registration. The race is expected to attract more than 60 cyclists of various age groups. The race will kick off near the outdoor parking area adjacent to The Boulevard, with preparations starting at 7:00am. Cyclists will set off at 8:00am with a fun orientation lap around the route, followed by four official laps totalling approximately 16 kilometres. To make the experience more engaging for the public, the race will be broadcast live on a large screen at The Boulevard Amphitheater, giving friends and families the chance to follow the action and cheer on the cyclists. The event will conclude with an award ceremony at 11:00am, during which participants will receive commemorative medals. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of JD200, JD150 and JD100, respectively, along with honorary trophies in recognition of their achievement. 'We are excited to be hosting this event as part of our corporate social responsibility. At The Abdali, we believe that empowering women and promoting community sports are essential pillars in building a more sustainable and inclusive society,' said Abdali Group CEO Amer Ahmad Tarawneh. 'This race represents a significant milestone in our efforts to elevate female participation across different activities, and we are committed to making it an annual tradition to continue to inspire and uplift women through sports,' Tarawneh added. The statement said that registration is now open via the following link:
Ammon
11-02-2025
- Business
- Ammon
50,000 heads of sheep to be imported to meet Ramadan demand
Ammon News - Ministry of Agriculture, with approach of the holy month of Ramadan, has decided to open imports of red meat for a limited period at a maximum of 50,000 heads of sheep, its Assistant Secretary-General for Animal Wealth, Misbah Tarawneh, said. In a statement Tuesday, he said the decision aims to relieve pressure on the slaughter of local female sheep and limit the rise in prices of local meat, which ranged between JD12 and JD15 per kilo. Tarawneh noted imports will be limited to sheep that are delivered under a one- quarantine procedure, in accordance with the approved health onditions to ensure the product safety and meet domestic market's needs during the holy month and the coming period. The ministry, within the framework of supporting Jordan's livestock breeders, has reopened exports to the Arab Gulf countries, aimed to achieving a price-quantity balance, which would serve consumers and producers' interests, and ensure "appropriate" meat availability, he pointed out.
