The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, concluded the first day of a pivotal two-day State visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan today. The visit served to underscore the robust, multifaceted partnership between the WHO and the Jordanian government, focusing on the critical pillars of universal health coverage (UHC), the expansion of mental health services, and the coordination of humanitarian health action 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 encounter highlighted the strategic importance of the visit and acknowledged Jordan’s regional leadership in positioning health as both a national imperative and a global priority. The discussions between the two leaders were comprehensive, touching upon the necessity of strengthening health systems, broadening access to care for vulnerable populations, and maintaining the vital flow of emergency medical responses for the region.
Particular attention was paid to the ongoing crisis affecting the Palestinian people, specifically those evacuated from Gaza to Jordan for life-saving medical intervention, as well as the millions of refugees hosted by the Kingdom.
"I wish to express my appreciation to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his commitment to advancing universal health coverage," Dr. Tedros stated 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."
Dr. Tedros emphasized the significance of Jordan’s humanitarian infrastructure, most notably His Majesty’s Medical Corridor initiative. This program has become a lifeline for ill and injured children from Gaza, ensuring they receive specialized care that would otherwise be inaccessible. "Jordan continues to show the world what it truly means to put health and humanity first," Dr. Tedros added.
Reflecting the urgency of these humanitarian efforts, Dr. Tedros spent a portion of his day at a WHO-supported hospital currently providing specialized care to pediatric patients evacuated from Gaza. During this visit, he met with young patients and their families, as well as the frontline health workers who are navigating the immense challenges of treating complex injuries, cancer, and other severe health conditions under difficult circumstances. This visit served as a stark reminder of the essential nature of the medical evacuation corridor through Jordan and the dire need for sustained, predictable international support to ensure that the most vulnerable—particularly children—can access life-saving care.
In addition to his field visits, the Director-General convened a high-level assembly with international health partners, representatives from donor countries, various United Nations agencies, and key philanthropic organizations. The meeting was designed to address the pressing financing priorities required to bolster Jordan’s health system and to sustain long-term humanitarian health operations. The participants discussed strategies for scaling up mental health services, an area where the strain on host countries is particularly acute. Dr. Tedros expressed his appreciation for the continued collaboration of these partners, emphasizing that investment in Jordan’s health sector acts as a cornerstone for stability in the wider region.
The Director-General also engaged in bilateral discussions with the Minister of Health, focusing on the tactical aspects of strengthening Jordan’s national health system and accelerating the progress toward UHC. Jordan has garnered international recognition for its leadership in primary health care, particularly through its efforts to integrate mental health into the routine care cycle. The WHO has been a consistent partner in this endeavor, providing technical support through the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health, which aims to ensure that mental health is treated with the same urgency and accessibility as physical health.
The visit was marked by the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, who joined several of the Director-General’s engagements. In their capacity as founders of Archewell Philanthropies and as long-standing supporters of the WHO’s global mission, the couple highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing global health crises. Archewell has previously supported a range of WHO initiatives, including efforts to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, medical evacuation programs, and various mental health advocacy projects.
Prince Harry, as an ally of the WHO’s mental health agenda, spoke to the necessity of investing in mental health across diverse communities, with a specific focus on the needs of men, youth, and children 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 remarked. "Their collaboration is helping to advance WHO’s mission to ensure health for all."
Prince Harry reflected on the experience of the visit, stating: "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."
He continued, "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 agenda remains focused on the practical application of health policy. Dr. Tedros is scheduled to visit the National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, an institution supported by the WHO that provides a holistic approach to care by integrating medical, psychological, and social services. Furthermore, he will meet with community leaders and women’s groups, including representatives from the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, to discuss the role of civil society in fostering community-based health resilience.
The trip will also include a visit to the King Hussein Cancer Center, where the Director-General intends to explore advancements in cancer care and discuss the potential for increased regional collaboration in oncology. The State visit is set to conclude with final engagements with humanitarian partners, serving to reinforce Jordan’s indispensable role as a regional hub for medical evacuation, emergency response, and the maintenance of resilient health systems. Through these coordinated efforts, the WHO and its partners aim to ensure that even in the face of regional instability, the mandate of health as a fundamental human right remains at the forefront of the international agenda.
