The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, concluded the first day of his two-day State visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan today. The visit served to underscore the robust and enduring partnership between the WHO and Jordan, specifically focusing on the critical pillars of universal health coverage (UHC), the advancement of mental health services, and the coordination of humanitarian health actions in a region currently facing significant volatility.
A pivotal moment of the visit occurred during a formal audience with His Majesty King Abdullah II. This meeting highlighted the strategic importance of the State visit and underscored Jordan’s recognized leadership in positioning health as a cornerstone of both national policy and global development. During their deliberations, Dr. Tedros and King Abdullah II engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding the strengthening of regional health systems. They explored mechanisms to expand equitable access to care and identified ways to sustain international support for emergency responses. Central to these conversations were the health needs of the Palestinian people, the ongoing treatment of patients evacuated from Gaza, and the complex, long-term health requirements of the millions of refugees currently hosted within Jordanian borders.
“I wish to express my appreciation to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his commitment to advancing universal health coverage,” Dr. Tedros remarked following the meeting. “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 Director-General further emphasized the kingdom’s role as a beacon of humanitarian stability. He specifically lauded the "Medical Corridor" initiative, a signature program under King Abdullah’s guidance that facilitates the delivery of critical, life-saving care to ill and injured children transported from Gaza. Dr. Tedros noted that through such initiatives, Jordan continues to demonstrate to the international community what it truly means to prioritize health and humanity in the face of daunting geopolitical challenges.
In a poignant display of the human cost of conflict, Dr. Tedros visited a WHO-supported hospital today that specializes in providing care to children evacuated from Gaza. During his visit, the Director-General engaged directly with young patients and their families, as well as the frontline health workers who labor daily to provide treatment for trauma, oncology, and other life-threatening conditions. This visit served to draw international attention to the vital importance of the medical evacuation corridor through Jordan. It also highlighted the urgent need for sustained and predictable international financing to ensure that children and other vulnerable populations can continue to access the essential, life-saving care they require.
Following the hospital tour, Dr. Tedros convened a high-level meeting with a broad coalition of health partners, including representatives from donor nations, various United Nations agencies, and leading philanthropic organizations. The meeting served as a forum to align on financing priorities for the strengthening of Jordan’s health infrastructure. The dialogue also touched upon the necessity of scaling up mental health services, a sector that requires increased focus, particularly in countries bearing the burden of hosting large refugee populations. Dr. Tedros expressed his appreciation for the strong collaboration and the sustained commitment of these partners to continue investing in the health architecture of Jordan and the wider region.
The Director-General also held bilateral discussions with the Minister of Health to focus on the technical aspects of improving the nation’s health system and advancing the national agenda for universal health coverage. Jordan has established itself as a global leader in utilizing a primary health care approach to achieve UHC, most notably through the successful integration of mental health services into routine care. This initiative is being actively supported by the WHO through the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health, which seeks to ensure that psychological support is as accessible as physical medical care.
Accompanying Dr. Tedros during several of these engagements were the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan. Attending in their capacities as founders of Archewell Philanthropies and as long-standing supporters of the WHO’s mission, the couple participated in key discussions regarding global health equity. Archewell has previously collaborated with the WHO on initiatives ranging from the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to complex medical evacuation and mental health support programs.
Prince Harry, specifically acting as an advocate for the WHO’s mental health agenda, emphasized the critical importance of investing in psychological well-being across diverse communities and emergency settings. He placed particular focus on the need for targeted interventions for men, young people, and children—groups often disproportionately affected by the trauma of conflict and displacement.
Reflecting on the partnership, 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, noting the inspirational nature of Jordan’s approach to public health. “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 Duke of Sussex said. “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 State visit transitions into its second day, the itinerary for Dr. Tedros remains focused on the practical application of health services at the community level. He is scheduled to visit the National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, an institution supported by the WHO that provides integrated medical, psychological, and social services. Furthermore, the Director-General will meet with influential community leaders and various women’s groups, including representatives from the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development. His itinerary also includes a visit to the King Hussein Cancer Center, where he plans to discuss the latest advancements in cancer care and the potential for increased regional collaboration in oncology.
The State visit will conclude with a series of final engagements with key partners who provide the essential backing for ongoing humanitarian operations. These meetings are intended to reinforce Jordan’s indispensable role as a regional hub for medical evacuation, rapid emergency response, and the overall maintenance of health system resilience in an area of the world where such stability is both rare and highly valued. By bringing together policymakers, philanthropists, and healthcare providers, the visit seeks to solidify a framework for ongoing support that transcends immediate crises and builds a foundation for lasting health security.
