The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has concluded the first day of a significant two-day State visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The visit serves to underscore the robust and enduring partnership between the global health agency and the Jordanian government, with a specific focus on the advancement of universal health coverage (UHC), the integration of mental health services, and the coordination of vital humanitarian health actions in an increasingly volatile region.
A centerpiece of the visit was a high-level meeting between Dr. Tedros and His Majesty King Abdullah II. This engagement served to highlight the Kingdom’s prominent role in positioning health as both a national imperative and a global priority. The discussions were comprehensive, centering on the urgent need to bolster health systems, expand equitable access to care, and maintain the continuity of emergency response efforts. Particular attention was paid to the ongoing crisis affecting the Palestinian people, the logistical and medical requirements for patients evacuated from Gaza for treatment, and the sustained support necessary for the millions of refugees currently hosted within Jordan’s borders.
Following the meeting, Dr. Tedros expressed his profound appreciation for the King’s commitment to 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 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."
The Director-General specifically lauded the Kingdom’s "Medical Corridor" initiative, a humanitarian effort spearheaded by His Majesty to deliver specialized, life-saving care to ill and injured children transported out of conflict-stricken areas in Gaza. Dr. Tedros remarked that Jordan continues to demonstrate to the international community what it truly means to prioritize health and humanity, even amidst extreme regional instability.
As part of his itinerary, Dr. Tedros visited a WHO-supported hospital currently providing specialized medical care to children evacuated from Gaza. During this visit, the Director-General engaged directly with young patients and their families, as well as the frontline health workers who are operating under intense pressure to deliver treatment for severe injuries, cancer, and other life-threatening conditions. The visit served as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of the medical evacuation corridor through Jordan. It also highlighted the necessity for sustained and increased international financial and logistical support to ensure that the most vulnerable, particularly children, retain access to essential health services.
In a move to foster greater cooperation, Dr. Tedros convened a high-level meeting with an array of health partners, including representatives from donor nations, various United Nations agencies, and key philanthropic organizations. The assembly focused on identifying and prioritizing financing strategies to strengthen Jordan’s health infrastructure. The dialogue also touched upon the expansion of mental health services, an area where Jordan has sought to integrate psychosocial support into routine primary care, as well as the ongoing financial challenges faced by countries that host large refugee populations. The Director-General welcomed the strong spirit of collaboration and the continued commitment from partners to invest in the health security of both Jordan and the wider region.
The Director-General also held productive bilateral discussions with the Jordanian Minister of Health. The conversation provided an opportunity to delve into the practicalities of advancing UHC. Jordan has emerged as a leader in adopting a primary health care-focused approach, successfully integrating mental health into its national health strategy. This alignment is directly supported by the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health, which works to ensure that individuals can access psychological support as part of their standard medical care rather than as an isolated service.
The visit took on a unique dimension with the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan. The couple participated in several of the Director-General’s engagements in their capacity as founders of Archewell Philanthropies and as long-term advocates for the World Health Organization’s global health agenda. Archewell has a history of supporting a variety of WHO initiatives, ranging from the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the support of medical evacuation programs and the expansion of mental health services.
Prince Harry, in particular, has been a vocal ally in the WHO’s mission to elevate mental health on the global stage. Throughout the visit, he emphasized the critical need for increased investment in community-based mental health support, specifically tailored for men, young people, and children living in or recovering from emergency and conflict settings.
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 country. "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."
As the visit progresses into its second day, the itinerary remains demanding and focused on the practical application of health policy. Dr. Tedros is scheduled to visit the National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, a facility supported by the WHO that provides a holistic approach to care by integrating medical, psychological, and social services. Following this, he is expected to meet with various community leaders and women’s advocacy groups, including the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, to discuss the intersection of community health and social welfare.
The visit will also include a tour of the King Hussein Cancer Center. This facility is recognized as a regional leader in oncology, and the visit will allow for discussions regarding the latest advancements in cancer care and the potential for increased regional collaboration in the fight against non-communicable diseases.
The State visit is set to conclude with a final series of engagements with partners currently supporting humanitarian operations. These meetings are intended to reinforce Jordan’s strategic role as a regional hub for medical evacuation, emergency response, and the overall maintenance of health system resilience in the Middle East. By coordinating these efforts at the highest level, the WHO and the Jordanian government aim to ensure that the Kingdom remains a beacon of stability and care for those most in need, further cementing the importance of international cooperation in the face of ongoing humanitarian challenges.
