WHO Director-General Visits Jordan to Strengthen Health and Humanitarian Action
- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus conducted a two-day State visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan beginning February 25, 2026.
- A primary objective of the visit was to recognize Jordan's role in advancing health as both a national and global priority.
- Tedros highlighted Jordan's generosity in providing health services to more than three million refugees, primarily those from Syria and Gaza.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus conducted a two-day State visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan beginning February 25, 2026. The visit focused on strengthening the partnership between the WHO and Jordan regarding universal health coverage (UHC), mental health services, and humanitarian health actions.
A primary objective of the visit was to recognize Jordan’s role in advancing health as both a national and global priority. During a meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II, discussions centered on expanding access to care, strengthening health systems, and sustaining emergency responses for refugees and the Palestinian people.
Humanitarian Health Action and Medical Evacuations
Dr. Tedros highlighted Jordan’s generosity in providing health services to more than three million refugees, primarily those from Syria and Gaza. A key point of discussion was the Medical Corridor initiative established by King Abdullah II, which facilitates critical care for injured and ill children evacuated from Gaza.
As part of the visit, the Director-General visited a WHO-supported hospital in Amman that provides specialized treatment to children evacuated from Gaza. These patients receive life-saving care for cancer, serious injuries, and other critical conditions.
I wish to express my appreciation to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his commitment to advancing universal health coverage. 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.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
The Director-General emphasized that the medical evacuation corridor through Jordan is vital and requires sustained international support to ensure essential care remains accessible to those in need.
Advancing Universal Health Coverage and Mental Health
Bilateral discussions with Jordan’s Minister of Health focused on the integration of mental health into primary health care. Jordan is recognized for its leadership in ensuring that mental health services are available as part of routine care, a goal supported by the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health.
To support these efforts, Dr. Tedros convened a high-level meeting with philanthropies, donor countries, United Nations agencies, and health partners. The group discussed financing priorities for strengthening Jordan’s health system and scaling up mental health services for populations hosting large numbers of refugees.
The visit included the participation of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in their roles as founders of Archewell Philanthropies. Archewell has provided support for WHO initiatives involving mental health programs, medical evacuations, and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
This proves 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.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
Prince Harry specifically advocated for increased investment in mental health across emergency settings and communities, noting a particular need for attention toward children, young people, and men.
Continued Engagements and Regional Resilience
The second day of the State visit included a series of site visits and meetings designed to review specialized health services and regional collaboration:
- A visit to the National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, a WHO-supported facility providing integrated social, psychological, and medical services.
- Consultations with women’s groups and community leaders, including the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development.
- A visit to the King Hussein Cancer Center to discuss regional collaboration and advancements in oncology care.
The visit concluded with further engagements with partners supporting humanitarian operations. These meetings reinforced Jordan’s strategic position as a regional hub for emergency response, health system resilience, and medical evacuations.