AMMAN — The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, concluded the first day of a two-day State visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan this week, a mission aimed at strengthening the robust partnership between the global health body and the Kingdom. The visit serves as a pivotal moment for international health diplomacy, focusing on the critical pillars of universal health coverage (UHC), the expansion of mental health services, and the coordination of humanitarian health actions in a region currently facing significant upheaval.
A central highlight of the visit was a formal meeting between Dr. Tedros and His Majesty King Abdullah II. This high-level engagement underscored the vital importance of the State visit and recognized Jordan’s consistent role as a leader in elevating health as both a national imperative and a global priority. The discussions between the two leaders were broad in scope, focusing on the systemic strengthening of health infrastructure, the necessity of expanding access to care for all, and the urgent need for sustained international support regarding emergency medical responses in the region.
Particular attention was paid to the ongoing humanitarian crises affecting the Palestinian people, including the logistical challenges of treating patients evacuated from Gaza and the continuous support provided to the millions of refugees currently hosted within Jordan’s borders.
“I wish to express my appreciation to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his commitment to advancing universal health coverage,” Dr. Tedros remarked during the proceedings. “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.”
Dr. Tedros further emphasized the global significance of Jordan’s humanitarian efforts, specifically highlighting the "Medical Corridor" initiative spearheaded by the King. This initiative has been instrumental in delivering life-saving medical care to children from Gaza suffering from severe injuries and illnesses. By facilitating these transfers, Jordan has positioned itself as a lifeline for the most vulnerable, demonstrating to the international community what it means to prioritize humanity in the face of conflict.
Building on the morning’s high-level discussions, Dr. Tedros spent the afternoon visiting a WHO-supported hospital that provides specialized pediatric care to children evacuated from Gaza. During this visit, he engaged with young patients, their families, and the frontline health workers who remain committed to delivering essential treatment for cancer, trauma, and other life-threatening conditions. This visit served as a poignant reminder of the necessity of the medical evacuation corridor through Jordan and the corresponding requirement for the international community to provide consistent funding and resources to keep these essential channels open.
The Director-General also convened a comprehensive meeting with an array of health partners, including representatives from donor nations, various United Nations agencies, and key philanthropic organizations. The goal of this summit was to identify financing priorities for strengthening Jordan’s domestic health system while simultaneously addressing the regional humanitarian burden. The conversation focused heavily on scaling up mental health services—a critical need in environments impacted by displacement and war—and ensuring that nations hosting large refugee populations receive the support necessary to prevent the collapse of their local health infrastructure. Dr. Tedros expressed his appreciation for the collective commitment shown by these partners to invest in the stability of health systems across the Middle East.
In bilateral discussions with the Minister of Health, the conversation turned toward the technical aspects of Jordan’s health sector development. Jordan has emerged as a regional model for integrating primary health care with universal health coverage, a strategy that has successfully incorporated mental health services into routine care. This integration is supported by the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health, which seeks to destigmatize and mainstream psychological support within broader health frameworks.
The state visit was marked by the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, who joined the delegation in their capacities as founders of Archewell Philanthropies. Long-standing supporters of the WHO’s global mission, the couple has previously collaborated with the organization on initiatives ranging from the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the development of robust mental health programs.
During the visit, Prince Harry participated as an active ally of the WHO’s mental health agenda, highlighting the importance of long-term investment in mental health infrastructure, particularly for men, young people, and children residing in emergency and conflict-affected settings.
“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,” Dr. Tedros stated. “Their collaboration is helping to advance WHO’s mission to ensure health for all.”
Reflecting on the importance of the mission, Prince Harry remarked, “It is 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. We remain deeply committed to advancing awareness, reducing stigma, and expanding access to mental health support for all those affected by conflict and crisis. Mental health is fundamental to recovery, dignity, and long-term peace, and we are proud to stand with WHO and partners around the world to make it a global priority.”
As the visit progresses into its second day, the schedule remains intensive. Dr. Tedros is slated to visit the National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, a facility supported by the WHO that provides a comprehensive model of care combining medical, psychological, and social support services. Additionally, the Director-General will engage with influential community leaders and women’s organizations, including representatives from the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development.
The final leg of the tour will include a visit to the King Hussein Cancer Center, where discussions will center on the latest advancements in oncology care and the potential for increased regional collaboration in cancer treatment and research. The visit will conclude with further meetings with key humanitarian stakeholders, solidifying Jordan’s strategic role as a vital regional hub for medical evacuation, emergency response, and the long-term resilience of health systems in the face of ongoing regional instability. Through these engagements, the WHO and its partners aim to ensure that the spirit of cooperation fostered during this visit translates into tangible, life-saving outcomes for those who need them most.
