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 as a testament to the robust and enduring partnership between the WHO and Jordan, a nation that has consistently distinguished itself as a regional pillar for universal health coverage (UHC), mental health advocacy, and humanitarian health action. Throughout the opening day, discussions centered on the necessity of bolstering health systems in the face of regional instability and ensuring that life-saving medical care remains accessible to the most vulnerable populations, including refugees and those caught in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
A focal point of the mission was a high-level meeting between Dr. Tedros and His Majesty King Abdullah II. This encounter underscored the geopolitical and humanitarian significance of the visit, highlighting Jordan’s proactive role in positioning health as both a national imperative and a global priority. The dialogue between the two leaders traversed critical themes, including the systemic strengthening of healthcare infrastructure, the expansion of access to essential medical services, and the long-term sustainability of emergency response mechanisms in a region frequently challenged by conflict. Particular emphasis was placed on Jordan’s ongoing humanitarian commitment to the Palestinian people, the successful evacuation of patients from Gaza for specialized treatment, and the extensive support provided to millions of refugees who have sought sanctuary within Jordan’s borders.
Dr. Tedros took the opportunity to publicly commend His Majesty for his unwavering dedication to the principles of 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 remarked. He further extended his gratitude to the King and the Jordanian people for their solidarity and extraordinary generosity, noting that the country currently provides essential health services to more than three million refugees, a population primarily composed of individuals displaced by the conflicts in Syria and Gaza.
Central to the WHO Director-General’s praise was Jordan’s humanitarian leadership, specifically citing the "Medical Corridor" initiative championed by King Abdullah II. This strategic program has been instrumental in facilitating the delivery of critical care to ill and injured children evacuated from Gaza. By creating a reliable pathway for medical transit and treatment, Jordan has demonstrated to the international community a profound commitment to putting health and humanity at the forefront of its policy agenda, even under the most trying circumstances.
The human element of the mission was brought into sharp focus during Dr. Tedros’s visit to a WHO-supported hospital, where he witnessed firsthand the specialized care being provided to children evacuated from Gaza. During his time at the facility, the Director-General met with young patients, their families, and the frontline healthcare workers who operate under immense pressure to deliver life-saving treatments for complex injuries, cancer, and other severe medical conditions. This site visit served as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of the medical evacuation corridor, reinforcing the argument that sustained international support is not merely a matter of policy, but a moral imperative to ensure that children and civilians in desperate need can access the essential care they require to survive.
Building upon these site visits, Dr. Tedros convened a high-level summit involving key health partners, donor nations, various United Nations agencies, and philanthropic organizations. The meeting served as a forum to deliberate on financing priorities aimed at strengthening Jordan’s health infrastructure. Furthermore, the participants addressed the ongoing requirements for humanitarian health action, including the urgent need to scale up mental health services and the necessity of providing long-term support to nations that continue to host large refugee populations. Dr. Tedros expressed his appreciation for the collective commitment shown by these stakeholders, emphasizing that their continued investment is crucial for the stability of health systems in Jordan and the wider region.
Parallel to these multilateral engagements, Dr. Tedros held bilateral discussions with the Jordanian Minister of Health to address the technical aspects of reinforcing the national health system. Jordan has earned a reputation for global leadership by adopting a primary health care approach to achieve universal health coverage. A key component of this strategy has been the integration of mental health services into routine care, ensuring that psychological well-being is treated with the same urgency as physical ailments. The WHO has been a steadfast partner in this effort, providing technical support through the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health, which aims to improve access to mental health services for all citizens.
The visit was further distinguished by the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan. Attending in their capacities as founders of Archewell Philanthropies and long-time supporters of the WHO’s global health mission, the couple accompanied Dr. Tedros throughout several key engagements. Archewell Philanthropies has historically been a significant contributor to WHO initiatives, supporting programs that range from the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to complex medical evacuation and mental health support services. Prince Harry, who has long acted as an ally of the WHO’s mental health agenda, used the visit to highlight the critical need for investment in community-based mental health resources, particularly for men, youth, and children living in emergency and conflict-affected settings.
Dr. Tedros spoke highly of their involvement, stating, "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."
For his part, Prince Harry underscored the importance of the work being undertaken in Jordan. "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," Prince Harry 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 first day concluded, preparations were already underway for the second day of the visit, which promises to be just as intensive. Dr. Tedros is scheduled to visit the National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, a facility supported by the WHO that offers a comprehensive suite of medical, psychological, and social services. His itinerary also includes meetings with influential community leaders and various women’s groups, including representatives from the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development. Additionally, he is set to visit the King Hussein Cancer Center to engage in discussions regarding the latest advances in oncological care and the potential for increased regional collaboration in the fight against cancer.
The two-day state visit is expected to culminate with further high-level discussions with partners dedicated to supporting humanitarian operations. These final engagements are intended to solidify Jordan’s role as an indispensable regional hub for medical evacuation, emergency response, and the cultivation of long-term health system resilience. By bridging the gap between immediate humanitarian needs and the long-term vision of universal health coverage, the visit serves to reaffirm the strategic importance of Jordan as a beacon of stability and care in a volatile region. Through these combined efforts, the WHO and its partners aim to ensure that the progress made in Jordan can serve as a template for other nations facing similar challenges, ultimately working toward the shared goal of health for all.
