During his visit to Jordan, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros emphasized global health partnerships in areas like universal health coverage and mental health support.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, completed the first day of his two-day official visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This visit highlights the robust collaboration between WHO and Jordan concerning universal health coverage (UHC), mental health, and humanitarian health initiatives.
A pivotal moment during the visit was Dr. Tedros’s meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II. This meeting underscored the significance of the trip and Jordan's proactive role in prioritizing health both nationally and globally. They discussed strategies to enhance health systems, improve access to healthcare, and ensure ongoing support for emergency responses in the region, particularly concerning the Palestinian population, patients evacuated from Gaza for treatment, and the numerous refugees residing in Jordan.
Dr. Tedros expressed his gratitude towards King Abdullah II for his dedication to promoting universal health coverage. He also acknowledged the generous support from Jordan in providing health services to over three million refugees from Gaza and Syria living in the country.
Dr. Tedros remarked, "I wish to express my appreciation to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his commitment to advancing universal health coverage. I also extend my thanks to His Majesty and the people of Jordan for their solidarity and generosity in providing health services to more than three million refugees, primarily from Gaza and Syria, who are living in the country."
He further praised Jordan's humanitarian efforts, notably the Medical Corridor initiative led by King Abdullah II, which focuses on delivering essential care to ill and injured children from Gaza. "Jordan continues to show the world what it means to place health and humanity at the forefront," he added.
On his visit, Dr. Tedros toured a WHO-supported hospital specializing in care for children evacuated from Gaza, engaging with young patients and their families, as well as frontline health workers who provide life-saving treatments for serious conditions such as injuries and cancer. This visit highlighted the crucial role of the medical evacuation corridor through Jordan and the necessity for sustained international support to guarantee access to essential healthcare for children and others in need.
Dr. Tedros also convened a high-level meeting with health partners, donor nations, United Nations agencies, and philanthropic organizations to discuss financing strategies aimed at strengthening health systems in Jordan and continuing humanitarian health efforts. This included initiatives to expand mental health services and aid countries hosting significant refugee populations. He commended the strong cooperation and renewed commitment from partners to invest in health, emphasizing the ongoing collaboration in Jordan and beyond.
Furthermore, he had discussions with Jordan's Minister of Health to focus on enhancing the country's health system and progressing with UHC. Jordan has demonstrated a global leadership role in promoting a primary healthcare model to achieve UHC, which incorporates mental health services. WHO continues its support for this initiative through the Director-General's Special Initiative for Mental Health.
Dr. Tedros's engagements included the participation of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, acting in their roles as founders of Archewell Philanthropies and longstanding advocates for WHO’s efforts. Archewell has supported a range of WHO initiatives, from equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines to medical evacuations and mental health programs. Prince Harry, an ally of WHO’s mental health agenda, underscored the vital need for investment in mental health services across communities and in emergencies, especially for men, young people, and children.
In his statements, Dr. Tedros thanked Prince Harry and Meghan for their commitment to mental health and humanitarian efforts, recognizing their role in bringing visibility, resources, and hope to vulnerable communities. "Their collaboration is crucial in advancing WHO’s mission to ensure health for all," he said.
Prince Harry remarked on the honor of joining Dr. Tedros in Jordan, a nation exemplifying compassion, resilience, and innovation. He shared insights from their work at Archewell Philanthropies, illustrating the impact of WHO's initiatives in supporting mental health and emergency care. He reaffirmed their commitment to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and enhancing access to mental health support for all affected by conflict and crisis. Prince Harry stated, "Mental health is fundamental to recovery, dignity, and long-term peace, and we are proud to stand with WHO and partners worldwide to elevate this issue as a global priority."
On the second day of his visit, Dr. Tedros is scheduled to visit the National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts in Jordan, which is supported by WHO and provides an integrated approach to medical, psychological, and social care services. He will also meet with community leaders and women’s groups, including those from the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, and visit the King Hussein Cancer Center to discuss advancements in cancer care and regional cooperation.
The visit is set to conclude with further engagements involving partners committed to humanitarian operations, emphasizing Jordan's vital role as a central hub for medical evacuations, emergency responses, and resilience in health systems across the region.
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