WHO Director Visits Jordan: Focus on Health, Humanitarian Aid & Mental Health Support

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 February 26, 2026, recognizing the country’s strong partnership with WHO in areas including universal health coverage, mental health, and humanitarian aid. The visit underscores Jordan’s pivotal role in regional health security and its commitment to providing care for vulnerable populations, including refugees and those evacuated from Gaza.

Jordan’s Role in Regional Health and Humanitarian Response

A key moment of Dr. Tedros’s visit was a meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II, highlighting Jordan’s leadership in prioritizing health both nationally and globally. Discussions centered on strengthening health systems, expanding access to care, and sustaining support for emergency responses, particularly for Palestinian patients receiving treatment in Jordan and the large refugee populations hosted within the country. Jordan currently provides health services to over three million refugees, primarily from Gaza and Syria, a commitment Dr. Tedros publicly acknowledged and thanked King Abdullah II for.

The scale of this support is significant. As Dr. Tedros noted, Jordan’s “Medical Corridor” initiative – delivering critical care to ill and injured children from Gaza – exemplifies a commitment to putting health and humanity first. This initiative, and Jordan’s broader humanitarian efforts, are crucial in a region facing ongoing conflict and displacement. The WHO statement emphasizes the importance of sustained international support to ensure these efforts can continue.

Focus on Mental Health and Universal Health Coverage

Beyond emergency response, the visit also highlighted Jordan’s progress in advancing universal health coverage (UHC) and integrating mental health services into its healthcare system. Dr. Tedros praised King Abdullah II’s commitment to UHC and noted Jordan’s leadership in adopting a primary healthcare approach that includes mental health as a routine component of care. This is particularly important given the increased mental health needs arising from conflict and displacement. The WHO’s Special Initiative for Mental Health is actively supporting this work in Jordan.

During the visit, Dr. Tedros toured a WHO-supported hospital providing specialized care to children evacuated from Gaza, meeting with patients, families, and healthcare workers. This visit underscored the critical need for continued medical evacuation efforts and the importance of providing comprehensive care to those affected by the ongoing crisis. The hospital visit also served to highlight the challenges faced by frontline health workers in delivering life-saving treatment for injuries, cancer, and other serious conditions in emergency settings.

Financing and Partnerships for Health System Strengthening

Recognizing the financial demands of these efforts, Dr. Tedros convened a high-level meeting with health partners, donor countries, United Nations agencies, and philanthropic organizations. The discussion focused on financing priorities for strengthening Jordan’s health system and scaling up mental health services, particularly for countries hosting large refugee populations. The WHO reports that partners reaffirmed their commitment to investing in health in Jordan and the wider region.

The visit also saw the participation of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, founders of Archewell Philanthropies, who have long supported WHO’s work. Archewell has provided support for initiatives ranging from equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines to medical evacuation and mental health programs. Prince Harry specifically highlighted the importance of investing in mental health, particularly for men, young people, and children affected by conflict and crisis. He emphasized that mental health is “fundamental to recovery, dignity and long-term peace.”

Looking Ahead: Continued Support and Rehabilitation

On the second day of his visit, Dr. Tedros is scheduled to visit Jordan’s National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, which receives support from the WHO and provides integrated medical, psychological, and social services. This visit underscores the importance of addressing the broader health needs of vulnerable populations, including those struggling with addiction. 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 state visit will conclude with further engagements with partners supporting humanitarian operations, reinforcing Jordan’s role as a critical hub for medical evacuation, emergency response, and health system resilience in the region. The WHO’s continued collaboration with Jordan is expected to focus on sustaining these efforts and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to the healthcare they need. The visit serves as a reminder of the complex health challenges facing the region and the importance of international cooperation in addressing them. Mirage News provides further details on the visit’s key themes.

The ongoing commitment from Jordan, coupled with the support of international partners like the WHO and organizations such as Archewell Philanthropies, is vital for maintaining health security and providing essential care in a region facing significant humanitarian challenges. Future efforts will likely focus on strengthening health systems, expanding access to mental health services, and ensuring sustainable funding for emergency response initiatives.