Photo credit: WHO
2 March 2026, Amman, Jordan – Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), concluded a 2-day visit to Jordan during which he highlighted the country’s leadership in delivering health care to vulnerable populations and building resilient, inclusive health systems.
A key moment of the visit was his meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II. Their discussions focused on sustaining emergency response efforts, expanding access to care and supporting refugees and patients evacuated from Gaza.
“Jordan continues to show what it means to put health and humanity first,” said Dr Tedros, commending Jordan’s solidarity and commitment to those most in need.
Aligning partners, accelerating impact
Photo credit: WHO
At the WHO Country Office in Amman, Dr Tedros convened donors, UN agencies and national stakeholders to align priorities and mobilize support for Jordan’s health sector. He was joined by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Discussions focused on scaling up universal health coverage, integrating mental health and noncommunicable diseases into primary care and strengthening emergency preparedness. Partners committed to better coordination and smarter investment to accelerate progress.
From policy to practice
Photo credit: WHO
In meetings with the Minister of Health, Dr Tedros reaffirmed WHO support for Jordan’s primary health care approach, with an emphasis on expanding mental health services and addressing the health needs of refugees and vulnerable communities.
During a visit to a WHO-supported hospital where children evacuated from Gaza receive specialized care, Dr Tedros met patients, families and health workers and highlighted the critical role played by Jordan’s medical evacuation corridor and the need for sustained international backing.
The visit underscored how health extends well beyond clinical care. At the regional headquarters of World Central Kitchen, which provides a million hot meals across Gaza every day, the delegation highlighted the central role of nutrition in recovery and resilience.
During a visit to the National Center for Rehabilitation of Addicts, Dr Tedros saw how integrated mental health and addiction services – from treatment to reintegration – help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity.
Community and specialized care
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Engagement with local communities was central to the visit. Hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal, the delegation visited the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development where they saw how community-led initiatives and grassroots action are strengthening health and well-being across the country.
At the King Hussein Cancer Center – hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Ghida Talal – the delegation saw how comprehensive, patient-centred cancer care is saving lives, including those of children evacuated from Gaza.
Sustaining momentum
Photo credit: WHO
Throughout the visit, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex supported WHO’s efforts to elevate mental health and humanitarian action globally, helping bring attention and resources to communities affected by conflict and crisis.
The visit reaffirmed Jordan’s role as a regional hub for health and emergency response and a model of how partnership, compassion and practical action can combine to deliver care where it is needed most.
