WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus used a state visit to Jordan to highlight the country’s role in universal health coverage, refugee healthcare, medical evacuation and the integration of mental-health services into routine care.
Dr Tedros met King Abdullah II and Jordanian health officials during the two-day visit. Their discussions covered stronger health systems, access to care and regional emergency operations, including treatment for Palestinian patients evacuated from Gaza.
Jordan’s humanitarian role
Jordan provides services to more than three million refugees, mainly people from Gaza and Syria, according to WHO. The Director-General visited a WHO-supported specialist hospital treating evacuated children with serious injuries, cancer and other conditions.
The visit also focused on the medical corridor that moves patients from Gaza to facilities in Jordan. WHO called for sustained international support so hospitals can continue specialist treatment while maintaining services for local residents and other refugee communities.
At a meeting with donor governments, UN agencies and philanthropic organisations, participants discussed funding for Jordan’s health system, emergency operations and expanded mental-health programmes. Jordan has incorporated mental-health support into primary care under work backed by WHO’s Special Initiative for Mental Health.
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, joined several engagements as supporters of WHO humanitarian and mental-health activities through Archewell Philanthropies. The visit reinforced Jordan’s position as a regional hub for medical evacuation and health-system resilience.