AMMAN — Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), concluded the first day of a significant two-day State visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan today. The visit serves to underscore the robust and enduring partnership between the global health agency and the Kingdom, particularly in the critical sectors of universal health coverage (UHC), the expansion of mental health services, and the coordination of humanitarian health interventions in a region frequently beset by crisis.
A cornerstone of the visit was a high-level meeting between Dr. Tedros and His Majesty King Abdullah II. This encounter highlighted the strategic importance of Jordan’s role as a regional anchor for stability and its ongoing leadership in elevating health as both a national priority and a global imperative. The dialogue between the two leaders was comprehensive, focusing on the systemic strengthening of health infrastructure, the necessity of expanding equitable access to care, and the urgent requirement for sustained international support regarding emergency responses in the Middle East.
Particular emphasis was placed on the plight of the Palestinian people, with specific focus on patients who have been evacuated from Gaza to Jordan to receive life-saving medical treatment. Furthermore, the discussions encompassed the broader challenges faced by the Kingdom in hosting millions of refugees, ensuring that their health needs are integrated into national systems despite the mounting pressures on resources.
“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 lauded the Kingdom’s proactive approach to humanitarian aid, specifically highlighting the "Medical Corridor" initiative championed by His Majesty. This initiative has become a lifeline for children from Gaza suffering from severe injuries, cancer, and other life-threatening conditions, providing them with a pathway to specialized care that would otherwise be inaccessible. Dr. Tedros noted that through such efforts, Jordan continues to demonstrate to the international community the true meaning of prioritizing health and humanity in the face of adversity.
Earlier in the day, the Director-General conducted a poignant visit to a WHO-supported hospital in Amman, where he witnessed firsthand the specialized medical care being provided to children evacuated from Gaza. During his tour, Dr. Tedros met with the young patients and their families, offering comfort and support. He also spent time with the frontline health workers—the physicians, nurses, and medical staff—who are delivering complex, life-saving treatments under demanding circumstances. This visit served as a stark reminder of the essential nature of the medical evacuation corridor through Jordan and emphasized that without sustained, predictable international support, the survival of these vulnerable children and others in need remains in jeopardy.
In his capacity as Director-General, Dr. Tedros also convened a high-level assembly of health partners, donor nations, representatives from United Nations agencies, and philanthropic organizations. The agenda for this meeting was centered on identifying and securing financing priorities to bolster Jordan’s health systems. The participants discussed strategies for ongoing humanitarian health action, including the imperative to scale up mental health services—a critical need in environments hosting large refugee populations—and the necessity of reinforcing health resilience across the region. Dr. Tedros expressed his appreciation for the strong collaborative spirit demonstrated by these partners and their commitment to long-term investment in the region’s health security.
In parallel, Dr. Tedros held bilateral discussions with Jordan’s Minister of Health. Their talks zeroed in on the practical steps required to strengthen the national health system and the progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage. Jordan has earned international recognition for its leadership in adopting a primary health care approach, which acts as the foundation for UHC. A key element of this strategy has been the successful integration of mental health services into routine care, a model that the WHO continues to support through the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health.
The significance of the visit was further amplified by the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan. Participating in their capacities as founders of Archewell Philanthropies and as long-standing advocates for the WHO’s global mission, the couple accompanied Dr. Tedros on several of his engagements. Archewell has been a consistent supporter of various WHO initiatives, ranging from the global push for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines to the logistical support required for medical evacuations and the expansion of mental health programs.
Prince Harry, an active ally in the WHO’s global efforts regarding mental health, utilized his platform during the visit to advocate for the necessity of investing in psychological well-being across diverse communities and emergency settings. He placed particular emphasis on the need to address the mental health challenges faced by men, young people, and children, who are often disproportionately affected by the trauma of conflict and displacement.
“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 stated. “Their collaboration is helping to advance WHO’s mission to ensure health for all.”
For his part, Prince Harry reflected on the importance 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 added, “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 moves into its second day, the schedule remains demanding and focused. Dr. Tedros is slated 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 engage with influential community leaders and various women’s groups, including the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, to discuss the intersection of social development and health outcomes. A visit to the King Hussein Cancer Center is also planned, where the focus will shift toward examining advancements in oncology care and exploring opportunities for enhanced regional collaboration in the fight against cancer.
The State visit is scheduled to conclude with additional high-level meetings with partners involved in humanitarian operations. These final sessions are intended to reinforce Jordan’s indispensable role as a regional hub for medical evacuation, emergency response, and the maintenance of health system resilience, ensuring that the Kingdom’s contributions to regional health stability remain supported and sustainable in the years to come.
