Day: April 25, 2026

Cairo: The World Health Organisation (WHO) called for urgent action to address the growing threat of malaria and to get elimination efforts back on track in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In a statement issued by its regional office in Cairo on the occasion of World Malaria Day, observed on Saturday under the theme “Determined to End Malaria: The Power Is in Our Hands, The Duty Is Calling,” WHO said the region recorded 11.1 million cases and 22,100 deaths in 2024. It stated that more than one-third of fatalities were among children under the age of five.

According to Jordan News Agency, the region is off track to meet the targets of the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria (2016-2030), with infection and mortality rates exceeding the 2025 interim targets by seven times, according to the statement. It attributes the setback to overstretched health systems and disrupted services in several countries.

The organisation identified insufficient funding as a major obstacle to progress, noting that global funding for malaria control stood at $3.9 billion in 2024, less than half of what is required. It warned that weakened programmes could lead to a resurgence of malaria and reverse years of progress, the statement reads. WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhi said the organisation has the necessary tools and knowledge to eliminate the disease, calling for sustained investment, stronger health systems and coordinated action.

Balkhi discussed recent scientific advances, including the rollout of malaria vaccines in 25 countries, the distribution of next-generation insecticide-treated bed nets, and new treatment approaches. She discussed Sudan’s experience in introducing vaccines and expanding preventive treatment for pregnant women to reduce mortality.

WHO further warned that conflict, climate pressures, and population displacement are increasing transmission risks and limiting access to essential health services. It called on governments and donors to close funding gaps and ensure that medical innovations reach the most vulnerable communities to protect lives and reduce the risk of drug resistance.

Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted through mosquito bites. It is preventable and treatable but can be life-threatening. Infants, young children, and pregnant women remain the most vulnerable groups.

Amman: Jordan’s exports experienced a growth of 3.0% during the first two months of 2026, reaching a value of JD1,350 million, while re-exports saw a decline of 12.6%, bringing their value down to JD361 million.

According to Jordan News Agency, this resulted in the total value of Jordan’s exports amounting to JD1,711 million, which reflects a 0.8% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. The report also highlighted a 2.5% drop in imports, which totaled JD3,005 million during the same timeframe, leading to a trade deficit of JD1,294 million. This marked a decrease of JD65 million, or 4.8%, compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.

The Department of Statistics (DoS) figures showed that the ratio of total exports to imports reached 57.0% during the first two months of 2026, slightly up from 56.0% during the same period in 2025.

In February 2026, the total export value was JD811 million, with JD643 million attributed to domestic exports and JD168 million to re-exports. Imports for that month stood at JD1,502 million, resulting in a trade deficit of JD691 million. Compared to February 2025, total exports decreased by 6.8%, domestic exports by 4.9%, and re-exports by 13.4%, while imports increased by 6.0%, leading to a 26.3% rise in the trade deficit.

The breakdown of foreign trade commodities in early 2026 revealed that the growth in national exports was driven by sectors such as raw potash (46.5%), garment and accessories (6.4%), nitrogenous or chemical fertilizers (0.8%), pharmaceuticals (17.6%), and raw phosphate (16.2%). On the import side, significant growth was noted in jewelry and precious metals (37.6%), machinery and electrical equipment (0.7%), and plastics (9.2%), while imports of crude oil and derivatives, machinery, and vehicles and bicycles declined by 8.8%, 7.0%, and 38.4% respectively.

The rise in national exports was attributed to increased trade with non-Arab Asian markets, including China, as well as European Union countries like the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the key markets for increased imports included countries within the Arab Free Trade Area and China among non-Arab Asian countries.

Brussels: The European Union and its member states, along with other world nations, have expressed their support for the Palestinian local elections, which commenced on Saturday despite prevailing challenges.

According to Jordan News Agency, EU member states, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, acknowledged these elections as a crucial opportunity for Palestinians to elect their local councils and rejuvenate their democratic legitimacy. This sentiment was echoed in a statement published on the EU’s official website.

Additionally, other global players such as Brazil, Canada, and Japan have also shown their support for the Palestinian polls. The EU statement highlighted that several EU diplomatic missions and representatives, invited by the Central Elections Commission, will be present to oversee the electoral process. This initiative underscores the significance of conducting transparent, credible, and inclusive elections.

The EU statement further emphasized the elections as a pivotal step towards expanding democracy and improving local governance, aligning with the ongoing reform process.

Amman: Under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Scientific Research, INJAZ Foundation is set to host the final competition of the Enterprise Business Challenge (EBC) programme on April 28, 2026, in partnership with The King’s Trust International and the Ministry of Education.

According to Jordan News Agency, a total of 13 student teams have advanced to the final stage of the program.

During the past academic year, more than 5,000 students participated in the programme. Through a structured learning journey supported by experienced volunteers, students gained practical exposure to key concepts in entrepreneurship, including business development, innovation, and ethical practices.

The final competition comprises two components designed to assess both knowledge and application. In the first component, student teams will present their entrepreneurial projects to a panel of judges consisting of business leaders and industry experts, demonstrating the relevance of their ideas to community needs and their potential for implementation. Meanwhile, the second component involves an interactive computer-based simulation, enabling students to apply business concepts by building and managing virtual enterprises in a dynamic environment.

The programme is delivered in collaboration with Crescent Petroleum, Mashrek International School, Ayla Oasis Development, Miqdadi Agricultural Materials Company, Ishtar for Software Solutions (eSTARTA), and the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation. It places a strong emphasis on strengthening key life skills among youth, including teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, and resilience.

Aligned with broader efforts to equip young people with skills for the future, the programme also promotes creativity and the use of technology in learning. Participants benefit from specialised training in project management, delivered by qualified volunteers, with a focus on building practical understanding of entrepreneurship and effective strategy development. The programme further supports experiential learning through the application of concepts in simulated business environments.

Amman: Jordan Industrial Estates Company (JIEC) Uday Obeidat said on Saturday that security bodies and the civil defense are key partners for investment in industrial cities, highlighting round-the-clock efforts to protect lives and property and enhance an investor-friendly environment.

According to Jordan News Agency, Obeidat stressed the readiness, efficiency, and promptness of security agencies in Irbid Governorate, Ramtha District, and administrative authorities in handling a recent fire at a factory in Al-Hassan Industrial Estate.

From the outset, the company and the management of Al-Hassan Industrial Estate were in close coordination with relevant authorities and the administrative government to minimize the fire’s impact and protect lives and property, he pointed out.

He also cited procedures in industrial estates to maintain occupational health and safety, stressing that the company endeavors to ensure the preparedness of industrial companies to enforce public safety standards as the first line of defense in reducing damage from fires or accidents.

Salt: Minister of Local Administration Walid Al Masri on Saturday urged municipalities to control spending, increase the revenue, and rationalize consumption to enable them to provide better services to citizens.

According to Jordan News Agency, during a visit to the Greater Salt Municipality for a first-hand look at services, Al Masri also urged municipalities to address weather-related damage to infrastructure and streets “as quickly as possible.” In a meeting with heads of municipal committees and service councils of Balqa Governorate, the minister directed the reactivation of the Jordan Online E-Procurement System (JONEPS) to ensure transparency and fairness in tendering.

Al Masri stated that the ministry has activated a “mystery shopper” program for municipalities. This is a specialized compliance tool involving trained individuals who act as ordinary citizens to audit, evaluate, and report on the service standards, regulatory compliance, and integrity of municipal offices and public officials. The purpose is to monitor compliance and commitment to providing optimal services to citizens, rationalizing consumption, and adhering to working hours.

The minister praised municipalities for their cooperation with local community institutions in celebrating national occasions, including Flag Day, and preparing for the Kingdom’s Independence Day celebrations.