Amman: French Ambassador to Jordan Alexis Le Cour Grandmaison and Regional Director of French Development Agency (AFD) Yves Guicquero observed hands-on training for early detection of developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH) in newborns during a visit to the Abu Nuseir Comprehensive Health Center on Sunday.
According to Jordan News Agency, the visit is part of an initiative led by the Chain of Hope organization, supported by AFD, which aims to strengthen Jordan’s healthcare capacity to identify DDH at an early stage. If left undiagnosed or untreated, the condition can lead to long-term motor impairments and serious complications.
Developmental dislocation of the hip affects approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 live births globally. However, initial data in Jordan suggest a higher incidence, highlighting the urgency of comprehensive early screening programs.
During the visit, the delegation attended training sessions for healthcare providers using Graff technology, an internationally recognized ultrasound method that enhances early and accurate diagnosis capabilities among Jordanian medical professionals.
Raed Shboul, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health for Primary Health Care and Epidemiology, emphasized that early detection is essential for safeguarding children’s health and preventing future disabilities, reiterating the ministry’s commitment to integrating preventive care into primary healthcare services.
Grandmaison highlighted that investing in early detection not only protects children’s well-being, but also secures their future prospects. Guicquero added that such initiatives contribute to building a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system in the region.
Anthony Hahn, Head of Mission for Chain of Hope, noted the project’s focus on creating sustainable improvements in healthcare infrastructure. He pointed out that early intervention, including the use of non-surgical methods like hip braces, can effectively treat DDH in infants, reducing the need for invasive procedures and preserving lifelong mobility.