The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has concluded the first day of a pivotal two-day State visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This diplomatic mission serves to underscore the deep-rooted and strategic partnership between the WHO and the Jordanian government, with a focus on advancing universal health coverage (UHC), bolstering mental health services, and coordinating large-scale humanitarian health action in an increasingly volatile region.
A centerpiece of the visit was a high-level audience with His Majesty King Abdullah II. This meeting served as a powerful testament to Jordan’s proactive role in positioning health as a cornerstone of both national development and regional stability. During their discussion, the two leaders addressed the urgent need to strengthen health systems, expand the reach of medical services to underserved populations, and ensure the sustainability of emergency response mechanisms. A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to the plight of the Palestinian people, the ongoing management of patients evacuated from Gaza for specialized treatment, and the continued support required for the millions of refugees currently hosted within Jordan’s borders.
Dr. Tedros expressed his profound gratitude to His Majesty for his unwavering commitment to the principles of universal health coverage. "I wish to express my appreciation to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his commitment to advancing universal health coverage," Dr. Tedros noted 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."
The WHO Director-General went on to highlight the unique humanitarian framework Jordan has established under the King’s guidance. He specifically lauded the "Medical Corridor" initiative, a critical lifeline that facilitates the transport of ill and injured children from Gaza into Jordan to receive life-saving surgical and medical care. By maintaining this conduit, Jordan has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to prioritize human life and health even amidst regional instability, providing a global example of compassionate diplomacy.
As part of his itinerary, Dr. Tedros visited a WHO-supported medical facility currently providing specialized care to children evacuated from the Gaza Strip. The visit offered a sobering look at the front lines of humanitarian medicine. The Director-General engaged directly with young patients and their families, as well as the dedicated healthcare professionals working under immense pressure to treat complex injuries, pediatric cancer, and other life-threatening conditions. This visit underscored the vital importance of maintaining the medical evacuation corridor, emphasizing that without sustained international financial and logistical support, these vulnerable children would be denied access to the essential care they require to survive.
Following the hospital visit, Dr. Tedros convened a strategic high-level meeting involving international health partners, donor nations, various United Nations agencies, and key philanthropic organizations. The primary objective of this session was to align on financing priorities for the strengthening of Jordan’s domestic health infrastructure and to ensure the continuity of regional humanitarian health operations. Discussions also covered the necessity of scaling up mental health support services, a sector that remains significantly underfunded in conflict-affected regions, and the ongoing challenge of supporting nations that carry the burden of hosting large, displaced populations. The Director-General commended the partners for their continued commitment, noting that their investment in Jordan’s health sector acts as a multiplier for regional stability.
In a separate bilateral engagement with the Jordanian Minister of Health, the conversation shifted toward the technical aspects of health system reform and the long-term pursuit of UHC. Jordan has garnered international recognition for its leadership in adopting a primary health care-focused model to achieve universal coverage. This approach has been particularly effective in the integration of mental health services into routine care, ensuring that psychological well-being is treated with the same urgency as physical health. The WHO continues to provide technical and operational support for these efforts through the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health.
The visit was marked by the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, who joined Dr. Tedros for several key engagements. Attending in their capacity as founders of Archewell Philanthropies and as long-standing advocates for the WHO’s global mission, the couple emphasized their commitment to humanitarian work. Archewell has been a significant partner to the WHO, contributing to initiatives that range from the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the support of medical evacuation programs and the expansion of global mental health resources.
Prince Harry, an active ally in the WHO’s advocacy for mental health, used the platform to call for greater investment in psychological care, particularly for men, youth, and children residing in emergency settings. He emphasized that mental health is a fundamental human right and a necessary prerequisite for long-term recovery and societal stability.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Dr. Tedros stated, "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. Their collaboration is helping to advance WHO’s mission to ensure health for all."
Prince Harry echoed these sentiments during the visit, expressing his admiration for the host nation. "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," he remarked. "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."
The second day of the visit is expected to be equally rigorous. Dr. Tedros is scheduled to tour the National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, an institution supported by the WHO that provides comprehensive medical, psychological, and social services. His itinerary also includes meetings with community leaders and women’s organizations, such as the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, to discuss the intersection of health policy and community-led social progress.
Furthermore, a visit to the King Hussein Cancer Center is planned, where the Director-General will engage with experts on the latest advancements in cancer care and explore opportunities for expanded regional collaboration in oncology. The State visit will conclude with a series of final meetings with humanitarian partners. These discussions are intended to reinforce Jordan’s indispensable role as a regional hub for medical evacuation, emergency health response, and as a model for health system resilience in the face of ongoing regional crises. By the end of this mission, the WHO expects to have secured a clearer roadmap for supporting Jordan’s health sector while highlighting the kingdom’s role as a beacon of humanitarian leadership.
