16 July 2025, Amman, Jordan – Today the Ministry of Health officially launched the National Climate Change Health Sector Adaptation Strategy, developed with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), during an event held in Amman. The launch took place under the patronage of  H.E. the Minister of Health Professor Feras Hawari, and in the presence of H.E. the Minister of Environment Dr Muawieh Radaideh.

The Strategy provides a 10-year roadmap to enhance the resilience of the health system in the face of climate-related risks. Aligned with the 2022 National Adaptation Plan, it will contribute to both sustainable development and economic modernization efforts.

Developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, the Strategy is the result of an inclusive process involving technical consultations with government entities, civil society organizations  and international partners. It is grounded in evidence-based assessments of national vulnerabilities and public health priorities related to climate change.

The strategy focuses on 7 climate-sensitive health areas: airborne and respiratory diseases; water and food-borne diseases; vector-borne diseases; nutrition; heatwaves; occupational health, and mental health.

In addition to addressing these priority areas, the Strategy outlines actions to integrate health and climate into national policies, strengthen early warning systems, enhance preparedness and response capacity and build climate-related institutional and technical capabilities within the health sector.

Secretary-General for Primary Health Care and Epidemics Dr Raed Al-Shboul underlined the collaborative nature of the Strategy, its basis in scientific research and focus on long-term system preparedness.

WHO Representative in Jordan Dr Iman Shankiti welcomed the launch as a timely step in strengthening the health sector’s ability to adapt to climate change and affirmed WHO’s continued support to the Ministry of Health in implementing the Strategy.

The launch aligns with the broader regional initiative, led by WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy, to support climate-resilient health systems across the Region and ensure the continuity of essential health services as environmental conditions change.

The Strategy positions Jordan as a regional leader in integrating climate considerations into health system planning and resilience-building.