The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has concluded the first day of his high-level, two-day State visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, using the diplomatic mission to underscore the robust and enduring partnership between the global health body and the Jordanian government. The visit places a distinct and vital focus on advancing universal health coverage, expanding mental health integration within routine medical systems, and spearheading humanitarian health action across a region profoundly shaped by conflict and displacement.
A central cornerstone of the first day’s itinerary was a high-level official meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II. This significant encounter underscored the paramount importance of the State visit and recognized Jordan’s steadfast leadership in positioning health as both a domestic national priority and an essential pillar of global stability. High-level discussions during the royal audience centered heavily on strengthening national health systems, expanding equitable access to quality care, and sustaining international and regional support for critical emergency response operations. Particular attention was devoted to the plight of the Palestinian people, patients evacuated directly from Gaza to receive urgent medical treatment in Jordan, and the millions of vulnerable refugees generously hosted by the Kingdom.
Expressing his deep gratitude for the nation’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, Dr Tedros addressed the leadership and hospitality demonstrated by the Jordanian monarchy and its citizens. "I wish to express my appreciation to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his commitment to advancing universal health coverage," said Dr Tedros. "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 further emphasized Jordan’s wider regional influence and moral authority in crisis management. "We are grateful for Jordan’s broader humanitarian leadership, including His Majesty’s Medical Corridor initiative, which delivers critical care to ill and injured children from Gaza," Dr Tedros added. "Jordan continues to show the world what it truly means to put health and humanity first."
Following the formal discussions at the royal court, Dr Tedros maintained an active field schedule by visiting a specialized, WHO-supported hospital facility dedicated to providing advanced care to children who have been medically evacuated from the conflict zones of Gaza. During this deeply moving visit, the Director-General met directly with young patients and their families, as well as the frontline doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers who are tirelessly delivering life-saving treatments for severe injuries, complex cancer cases, and other critical medical conditions. This field visit brought into sharp focus the indispensable role played by the medical evacuation corridor operating through Jordan, while simultaneously underscoring the pressing need for sustained, predictable international financial and logistical support to ensure that children and other vulnerable populations retain unimpeded access to essential healthcare services.
Building upon these field observations, Dr Tedros convened a strategic high-level consultation meeting later in the day. The gathering brought together key health partners, donor nations, various United Nations agencies, and prominent philanthropic organizations to deliberate on vital financing priorities aimed at reinforcing Jordan’s overarching health infrastructure. The dialogue also addressed ongoing humanitarian health operations, specifically targeting the scaling up of comprehensive mental health services and providing robust, long-term assistance to countries that continue to shoulder the immense socioeconomic and logistical responsibilities of hosting large refugee populations. Dr Tedros warmly welcomed the strong collaboration and unwavering commitment demonstrated by these international partners, emphasizing that sustained investment in health within Jordan yields benefits that extend far beyond national borders to positively impact the wider Middle East region.
In addition to the multilateral engagements, Dr Tedros held focused bilateral discussions with the Jordanian Minister of Health. These talks zeroed in on strategic measures to further solidify Jordan’s health system architecture and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage. Notably, Jordan has established itself as a recognized global leader in implementing a robust primary healthcare approach to achieve universal coverage, which notably includes the progressive integration of mental health provisions. This ensures that citizens and residents alike can access psychological support services as a seamless component of routine medical care. The World Health Organization continues to provide technical and strategic support to this vital work through the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health.
Significantly, the Director-General was accompanied throughout several key engagements of the day by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, acting in their official capacities as founders of Archewell Philanthropies and as long-standing, dedicated supporters of the World Health Organization’s global mandate. Archewell Philanthropies has previously provided essential support to a diverse array of WHO initiatives, ranging from advocating for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines to supporting critical medical evacuation and targeted mental health programs. Prince Harry participated actively in the day’s events as a prominent global ally of the WHO’s mental health agenda, consistently highlighting the critical necessity of investing heavily in psychological well-being across diverse communities and emergency settings, with a deliberate, empathetic focus on men, young people, and children who bear the psychological scars of instability.
Reflecting on this collaborative partnership, Dr Tedros remarked, "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."
Adding his perspective on the mission, Prince Harry shared his thoughts on the significance of the visit: "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 first day of the high-profile visit drew to a close, preparations were already underway for the second and final day of the State visit. Dr Tedros is scheduled to visit Jordan’s National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, a specialized facility supported by the WHO that delivers integrated medical, psychological, and social rehabilitation services to individuals in need. Furthermore, the Director-General will meet with influential community leaders and prominent women’s groups, including representatives from the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, to discuss grassroots health empowerment and community resilience. The itinerary also includes a visit to the renowned King Hussein Cancer Center, where discussions will center on recent technological and clinical advances in comprehensive cancer care, as well as fostering enhanced regional medical collaboration.
The comprehensive State visit is ultimately slated to conclude with a series of final engagements with international and local partners who actively support humanitarian operations within the region. These concluding meetings will further reinforce and validate Jordan’s irreplaceable, strategic role as a secure humanitarian hub for emergency medical evacuations, rapid disaster response, and the long-term resilience of health systems throughout the Middle East.
For further media inquiries and ongoing updates regarding the World Health Organization’s mission to Jordan, communications may be directed to Paul Garwood, Communications Officer at the WHO, or through the official WHO Media Team.
