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. The visit serves as a significant reaffirmation of the robust partnership between the global health agency and the Jordanian government, with a focus on three critical pillars: the advancement of universal health coverage (UHC), the strengthening of mental health services, and the coordination of humanitarian health action in an increasingly volatile region.
A central development of the visit was a high-level meeting between Dr. Tedros and His Majesty King Abdullah II. This audience underscored the strategic importance of Jordan’s role as a regional anchor for health security and a proactive leader in prioritizing healthcare as both a national necessity and a global imperative. The discussions between the two leaders were wide-ranging, addressing the immediate challenges of strengthening national health systems, the necessity of expanding equitable access to medical care, and the urgent requirement for sustained international support for emergency responses.
The dialogue carried particular weight given the current regional climate. Both leaders engaged in detailed conversations regarding the provision of care for the Palestinian people, the ongoing challenges of managing the influx of patients evacuated from Gaza for specialized treatment, and the continued support required for the millions of refugees hosted within Jordan’s borders.
Following the meeting, Dr. Tedros expressed his profound appreciation for the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment. "I wish to express my appreciation to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his commitment to advancing universal health coverage," Dr. Tedros stated. "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 highlighted the humanitarian impact of Jordan’s initiatives, specifically citing the "Medical Corridor" established by His Majesty. This initiative has been instrumental in facilitating the transfer and treatment of ill and injured children from Gaza, ensuring they receive life-saving care that would otherwise be inaccessible. "Jordan continues to show the world what it truly means to put health and humanity first," he added, noting the country’s broader role as a pillar of regional humanitarian stability.
To witness the impact of these efforts firsthand, Dr. Tedros visited a WHO-supported hospital currently providing specialized care to children evacuated from Gaza. During this visit, he met with young patients, their families, and the frontline health professionals working in high-pressure environments to deliver treatment for severe injuries, cancer, and other life-threatening conditions. The visit served as a poignant reminder of the critical nature of the medical evacuation corridor through Jordan. It also reinforced the WHO’s call for sustained international support, emphasizing that without reliable, long-term funding and infrastructure, the ability to provide essential care to the most vulnerable in conflict zones remains precarious.
The Director-General also convened a high-level meeting with an array of stakeholders, including health partners, donor countries, representatives from various United Nations agencies, and philanthropic organizations. The primary objective of this assembly was to map out financing priorities aimed at bolstering Jordan’s health infrastructure. The conversation was not limited to immediate crisis response; it also addressed the long-term goal of scaling up mental health services and developing sustainable support frameworks for countries that bear the responsibility of hosting large refugee populations. Dr. Tedros welcomed the strong collaborative spirit among these partners, characterizing their continued commitment to investing in the region’s health architecture as vital for future resilience.
In a separate bilateral engagement, Dr. Tedros met with the Minister of Health to delve deeper into the mechanics of strengthening Jordan’s health system and accelerating the progress toward universal health coverage. Jordan has increasingly become a model for other nations, demonstrating global leadership by implementing a primary health care approach that serves as the foundation for UHC. A key feature of this model is the integration of mental health services into routine care, a strategy that the WHO has actively supported through the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health. By weaving mental health into the fabric of primary care, Jordan is effectively reducing the stigma surrounding psychological treatment and ensuring that these services are accessible to all citizens.
The importance of this visit was further underscored by the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan. Attending in their capacities as founders of Archewell Philanthropies and long-standing supporters of the World Health Organization, the couple joined Dr. Tedros for several key engagements. Archewell has a documented history of supporting WHO initiatives, ranging from the effort to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines to the more recent focus on medical evacuation and comprehensive mental health programs.
Prince Harry, who has long advocated for improved mental health resources, utilized the visit to emphasize the urgency of investing in mental health across all communities, with a specific focus on the needs of men, young people, and children, particularly those living in emergency or 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 said. "Their collaboration is helping to advance WHO’s mission to ensure health for all."
Reflecting on the visit, Prince Harry noted the profound impression that Jordan’s healthcare system has made on him. "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," the Prince 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."
As the first day of the mission concluded, the agenda for the second day promised further engagement with the grassroots and clinical aspects of Jordan’s healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Tedros is scheduled to visit the National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, a facility supported by the WHO that offers an integrated model of medical, psychological, and social services.
Additionally, the Director-General will meet with various community leaders and women’s organizations, including representatives from the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, to discuss the role of civil society in health outcomes. His itinerary also includes a visit to the King Hussein Cancer Center, where he will discuss advancements in oncology care and explore opportunities for further regional collaboration in the fight against cancer.
The State visit will reach its conclusion following a series of final meetings with partners dedicated to humanitarian operations. These concluding discussions are intended to reinforce Jordan’s indispensable role as a regional hub—not only for medical evacuation and emergency response but as a cornerstone for maintaining health system resilience in an area of the world that faces constant, evolving challenges. By the time Dr. Tedros departs, the visit will have cemented a shared understanding of the necessity of international investment and the importance of supporting Jordan’s continued efforts to provide sanctuary and care to those in need.
