Amman, Jordan – The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, concluded the first day of a two-day state visit to Jordan today, underscoring the strong partnership between the organization and the Hashemite Kingdom. The visit focuses on collaborative efforts in universal health coverage (UHC), mental health and humanitarian health action, particularly in response to ongoing regional crises.
A key moment of the visit was a meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II, emphasizing Jordan’s leadership in prioritizing health both nationally and globally. Discussions centered on strengthening health systems, expanding access to care, and sustaining support for emergency responses, with a specific focus on the needs of Palestinians, patients evacuated from Gaza for treatment, and the large refugee population hosted within Jordan’s borders. Dr. Tedros expressed his appreciation for King Abdullah II’s commitment to universal health coverage and acknowledged Jordan’s generosity in providing healthcare to over three million refugees, primarily from Gaza and Syria.
The WHO Director-General visited a hospital supported by the organization that is providing specialized care to children who have been evacuated from Gaza. He met with young patients, their families, and the healthcare workers delivering critical treatment for injuries, cancer, and other serious conditions. This visit highlighted the importance of the medical evacuation corridor facilitated through Jordan and the continued necessitate for international support to ensure access to essential care for those in need. The initiative, known as His Majesty’s Medical Corridor, delivers critical care to ill and injured children from Gaza, demonstrating Jordan’s commitment to humanitarian principles.
Strengthening Health Systems and Mental Health Support
Dr. Tedros also convened a high-level meeting with health partners, donor countries, United Nations agencies, and philanthropic organizations. The focus of the meeting was to discuss financing priorities for strengthening Jordan’s health system and bolstering ongoing humanitarian health action. A key area of discussion was scaling up mental health services, recognizing the critical need for support for both refugees and host communities. WHO continues to support Jordan’s work through the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health, which aims to integrate mental health services into routine care and strengthen primary healthcare approaches to achieve universal health coverage.
Bilateral discussions with the Jordanian Minister of Health focused on further strengthening the nation’s health system and advancing UHC. Jordan has been recognized for its leadership in integrating mental health into its primary healthcare system, ensuring that mental health services are accessible as part of routine care.
Collaboration with Archewell Philanthropies and Prince Harry
Throughout the day, Dr. Tedros was accompanied by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, founders of Archewell Philanthropies and long-standing supporters of WHO’s work. Archewell has provided support for various WHO initiatives, including efforts to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, medical evacuation programs, and mental health initiatives. Prince Harry actively participated as an ally of WHO’s work on mental health, emphasizing the importance of investing in mental health services within communities and emergency settings, with a particular focus on men, young people, and children.
“I want to thank our partners, including Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, whose commitment to mental health and humanitarian action has helped bring visibility, resources and hope to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Tedros. Prince Harry echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s an honour to join the Director-General of the World Health Organization in Jordan, a country that is leading by example in compassion, resilience and innovation. Through our work with Archewell Philanthropies, my wife and I have seen first-hand the impact of WHO’s efforts to support mental health and deliver life-saving care in emergencies.”
Looking Ahead: Continued Support and Regional Resilience
During the second day of his visit, Dr. Tedros is scheduled to visit Jordan’s National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, a WHO-supported facility providing integrated medical, psychological, and social services. He will also meet with community leaders and women’s groups, including the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, and visit the King Hussein Cancer Center to discuss advancements in cancer care and regional collaboration. The state visit will conclude with further engagements with partners supporting humanitarian operations, reinforcing Jordan’s crucial role as a hub for medical evacuation, emergency response, and health system resilience in the region.
The ongoing collaboration between WHO and Jordan underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing complex health challenges and providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations. As regional crises continue to evolve, Jordan’s commitment to health and humanitarian principles remains vital.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about public health and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding your health.
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