WHO Chief Visits Jordan, Praises Partnership on Health Systems, Emergency Care and Mental Health

The head of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, wrapped up the first day of a two-day official visit to Jordan on Tuesday. The trip highlights the close working relationship between WHO and Jordan on universal health coverage, mental health services, and humanitarian medical aid.

A key part of the visit was a meeting with King Abdullah II. This meeting showed how important the trip is and recognized Jordan’s leadership in making health a priority both at home and around the world. Their talks focused on improving health systems, expanding access to medical care, and keeping up support for emergency responses in the region. This includes help for Palestinian people, patients moved from Gaza to Jordan for treatment, and refugees living in Jordan.

“I want to thank His Majesty King Abdullah II for his dedication to advancing universal health coverage,” said Dr. Tedros. “I also thank His Majesty and the people of Jordan for their kindness and generosity in providing health services to more than three million refugees, mostly from Gaza and Syria, who are living in the country.”

Dr. Tedros added: “We are thankful for Jordan’s broader humanitarian leadership, including His Majesty’s Medical Corridor initiative, which brings critical care to sick and injured children from Gaza. Jordan keeps showing the world what it truly means to put health and humanity first.”

During the day, Dr. Tedros visited a WHO-supported hospital that provides specialized care to children evacuated from Gaza. He met with young patients and their families, as well as health workers on the front lines who are delivering life-saving treatment for injuries, cancer, and other serious conditions. The visit stressed the importance of the medical evacuation route through Jordan and the need for ongoing international support so children and others in need can get essential care.

The WHO chief also led a high-level meeting with health partners, donor countries, United Nations agencies, and charitable foundations. They discussed funding priorities for strengthening Jordan’s health system and ongoing humanitarian health work, including expanding mental health services and supporting countries that host large refugee populations. He praised the strong teamwork and continued commitment of partners to invest in health in Jordan and across the region.

He also held private talks with Jordan’s Minister of Health, focusing on strengthening the country’s health system and advancing universal health coverage. Jordan has shown global leadership in using a primary health care approach to reach universal health coverage, including adding mental health to routine care. WHO continues to support this work through the Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health.

During several events, the Director-General was joined by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as founders of Archewell Philanthropies and longtime supporters of WHO’s work. Archewell has backed WHO projects ranging from fair access to COVID-19 vaccines to medical evacuations and mental health programs. Prince Harry also joined as an ally of WHO’s mental health efforts, highlighting the need to invest in mental health in communities and emergency settings, especially for men, young people, and children.

Dr. Tedros said: “I want to thank our partners, including Prince Harry and Meghan, whose commitment to mental health and humanitarian action has helped bring attention, resources, and hope to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Their partnership is helping to move forward WHO’s mission to ensure health for all.”

Prince Harry said: “It is an honor to join the WHO Director-General 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. We remain deeply committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and expanding access to mental health support for all those affected by conflict and crisis. Mental health is key to recovery, dignity, and long-term peace, and we are proud to stand with WHO and partners around the world to make it a global priority.”

On the second day of the visit, Dr. Tedros will tour Jordan’s National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, which is supported by WHO and offers 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 talk about progress in cancer care and regional teamwork.

The official visit will end with more meetings with partners supporting humanitarian operations, reinforcing Jordan’s key role as a hub for medical evacuations, emergency response, and health system strength in the region.