Amman, Jordan – The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, concluded the first day of a two-day state visit to Jordan on Wednesday, following a meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II focused on bolstering regional health systems and humanitarian aid delivery. The visit underscores a strong partnership between Jordan and the WHO, particularly in the areas of universal health coverage, mental health, and support for populations affected by regional conflicts.
During the meeting, King Abdullah II and Dr. Tedros discussed strategies for strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to medical services, and sustaining emergency responses, with a specific emphasis on the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The King’s Medical Corridor initiative, which facilitates critical care for ill and injured children from Gaza, was highlighted as a key example of Jordan’s humanitarian leadership, according to a statement released by the WHO. Dr. Tedros expressed his gratitude for Jordan’s commitment to universal health coverage and acknowledged the country’s generosity in providing healthcare to over three million refugees, primarily from Gaza and Syria.
Dr. Tedros visited a WHO-supported hospital providing specialized care to children evacuated from Gaza, meeting with young patients, their families, and the medical staff providing treatment for injuries, cancer, and other serious conditions. The visit served to highlight the importance of the medical evacuation corridor and the demand for continued international support to ensure access to essential care for those in need.
Alongside Dr. Tedros, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, participated in engagements during the day. Their involvement stems from their operate as founders of Archewell Philanthropies, which has supported WHO initiatives including equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, medical evacuation efforts, and mental health programs. Prince Harry as well emphasized the importance of investing in mental health, particularly for men, young people, and children, in both community and emergency 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 stated. Prince Harry added, “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.”
The Director-General also convened a high-level meeting with health partners, donor countries, United Nations agencies, and philanthropic organizations to discuss financing priorities for strengthening Jordan’s health system and continuing humanitarian health action. Discussions included scaling up mental health services and providing support to countries hosting large refugee populations. Dr. Tedros welcomed the continued commitment of partners to invest in health within Jordan and the wider region.
Bilateral discussions between Dr. Tedros and Jordan’s Minister of Health focused on strengthening Jordan’s health system and advancing universal health coverage. Jordan has demonstrated leadership in integrating mental health into its primary healthcare approach, a strategy WHO continues to support through the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health.
On Thursday, Dr. Tedros is scheduled to visit Jordan’s National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, which receives support from WHO and provides integrated medical, psychological, and social services. He will also meet with community leaders and women’s groups, including the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, and visit the King Hussein Cancer Center to discuss advances in cancer care and regional collaboration. The visit will conclude with further engagements with partners supporting humanitarian operations, reinforcing Jordan’s role as a regional hub for medical evacuation and emergency response.
