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 serves to underscore the deep-rooted and strategic partnership between the WHO and the Jordanian government, focusing on three critical pillars: the expansion of universal health coverage (UHC), the advancement of mental health services, and the strengthening of humanitarian health action in a region grappling with persistent conflict and displacement.
A central highlight of the visit was a high-level meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II. This engagement underscored the geopolitical and humanitarian significance of the visit, reflecting Jordan’s proactive role as a regional leader in championing health as both a national priority and a global imperative. During their discussions, the leaders addressed the urgent necessity of fortifying health systems against regional instability. Central to their dialogue was the importance of sustaining support for emergency medical responses, with a particular focus on the ongoing crisis affecting the Palestinian people, the specialized treatment of patients evacuated from Gaza, and the long-term support systems required for the millions of refugees hosted within Jordan’s borders.
Dr. Tedros expressed his profound gratitude for the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to humanitarian principles. "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 WHO Director-General further emphasized the unique nature of Jordan’s humanitarian infrastructure, specifically referencing the "Medical Corridor" initiative championed by His Majesty. This initiative has been instrumental in facilitating the transfer of ill and injured children from Gaza to receive life-saving medical interventions in Jordanian facilities. "Jordan continues to show the world what it truly means to put health and humanity first," Dr. Tedros added, noting that the country’s efforts provide a vital lifeline in an otherwise fractured regional health landscape.
As part of his itinerary, Dr. Tedros visited a WHO-supported hospital currently providing specialized care to children evacuated from Gaza. During this poignant visit, he met with the young patients, their families, and the frontline healthcare workers who are tasked with the daily challenge of delivering critical treatment for complex injuries, cancer, and other severe medical conditions. This site visit served as a stark reminder of the essential nature of the medical evacuation corridor. The Director-General used this platform to call for sustained and predictable international support, noting that the capacity of Jordan to act as a regional medical hub is contingent upon the continued solidarity of the global donor community.
Following the hospital visit, Dr. Tedros convened a high-level meeting with an array of stakeholders, including representatives from donor nations, various United Nations agencies, and key philanthropic organizations. The focus of these discussions was the identification of financing priorities aimed at bolstering the resilience of Jordan’s health system. The dialogue encompassed the scaling up of mental health services—a critical need in areas hosting large refugee populations—and the development of sustainable frameworks for humanitarian health action. Dr. Tedros welcomed the strong collaboration demonstrated by these partners, urging a continued commitment to investing in the health infrastructure of Jordan and the broader region as a necessary component of long-term stability.
In bilateral discussions with the Minister of Health, the Director-General delved into the technical aspects of strengthening Jordan’s national health system. Jordan has earned international recognition for its leadership in adopting a primary healthcare-centered approach to achieving universal health coverage. A key component of this success has been the 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. By treating mental health as an essential component of overall wellbeing rather than a siloed service, Jordan provides a scalable blueprint for other nations working toward comprehensive health coverage.
The visit was marked by the participation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, who joined Dr. Tedros for several key engagements in their capacity as founders of Archewell Philanthropies. Their involvement highlights a long-standing partnership with the WHO, spanning initiatives from the equitable global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the support of medical evacuation and mental health programming. Prince Harry, who has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, emphasized the necessity of addressing psychological trauma within communities affected by conflict and crisis.
Reflecting on the collaboration, 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."
Prince Harry echoed these sentiments during 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. 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."
The second day of the State visit is expected to be equally rigorous. Dr. Tedros is scheduled to visit the National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, a facility supported by the WHO that offers integrated medical, psychological, and social services. This visit is intended to highlight the importance of holistic, patient-centered care in addressing substance use disorders. Furthermore, the Director-General will engage with community leaders and women’s groups, including the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, to gain insights into the grassroots efforts that underpin public health success in the country.
A final stop at the King Hussein Cancer Center will provide an opportunity for the delegation to examine advancements in oncology care and discuss the potential for increased regional collaboration in cancer treatment and research. This center, which acts as a beacon of medical excellence in the Middle East, serves as a testament to the high standards of care that can be achieved through dedicated investment and international cooperation.
As the State visit nears its conclusion, the focus remains on reinforcing Jordan’s critical role as a regional hub for medical evacuation, emergency health response, and the development of resilient health systems. By bringing together government officials, humanitarian partners, and global advocates, the visit aims to consolidate support for the vital work being carried out in the Kingdom and to ensure that the health needs of the most vulnerable continue to be met with urgency and compassion. Through these high-level engagements, the WHO and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan are not only addressing the immediate health challenges of the present but are also laying the groundwork for a more robust and equitable health future for the region.
