Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is on a two-day visit to Jordan to discuss health system strengthening, mental health, and humanitarian support for refugees and patients from Gaza.

World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus began a two-day state visit to Jordan to highlight the country's role in humanitarian health and universal health coverage. During his visit, he met with King Abdullah II to discuss regional emergency responses, including medical care for refugees and patients evacuated from Gaza. The visit also focused on Jordan's integration of mental health services into its primary health care system.

Humanitarian Support and Medical Evacuations

Dr. Tedros visited a WHO-supported hospital in Amman that treats children evacuated from Gaza through the King’s Medical Corridor initiative. He met with families and healthcare workers providing treatment for injuries, cancer, and other serious conditions. The WHO emphasized the necessity of sustained international support to maintain these medical evacuation corridors for those in need.

Mental Health and Global Partnerships

The visit included meetings with health partners, donor countries, and UN agencies to discuss financing for health systems and mental health services. Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, joined several engagements in their capacity as founders of Archewell Philanthropies. They highlighted the importance of reducing stigma and expanding mental health access for people affected by conflict and crisis.

Strengthening Health Systems

In bilateral talks with the Minister of Health, Dr. Tedros discussed Jordan's progress in achieving universal health coverage. The country is recognized for its primary health care approach and the integration of mental health services into routine care, a process supported by the WHO Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health.