Amman: Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein and in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Zein bint Al Hussein and Dr. Adham Rashad Ismail, Officer-in-Charge of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, the High Health Council, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), launched a national initiative to develop Jordan's Vision for Human Resources for Health (HRH) at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level. The initiative is seen as a crucial step in reinforcing the health workforce to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and to create a more resilient, equitable, and people-centered health system.
According to Jordan News Agency, the strategic meeting convened various stakeholders, including representatives from government institutions, health sector leaders, academic bodies, professional councils and associations, development partners, and civil society organizations. The aim was to initiate a national dialogue regarding the future of Jordan's primary health care workforce. The initiative seeks to establish a shared national vision to guide human resources for health planning and investment over the next 10 to 15 years through a participatory and multisectoral approach.
Jordan has made strides in expanding access to primary health care through a robust network of Ministry of Health facilities. Nonetheless, demographic shifts, an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases, lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising demand for high-quality health services underscore the necessity for a long-term strategic approach. This approach aims to strengthen the health workforce and ensure readiness to meet both current and future health demands.
The initiative aligns with Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision, which was launched under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein. It supports the country's Universal Health Coverage and Health Security Roadmap, recognizing primary health care as the backbone of a strong and resilient health system. This initiative also contributes to the World Health Organization's strategic priorities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, particularly the Regional Director's flagship initiative on investing in the health workforce as a pivotal driver of robust health systems.
Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein emphasized the importance of investing in the health workforce, stating, "Investing in our health workforce is not merely an investment in the health sector; it is an investment in our nation's future, prosperity, and well-being." The initiative aims to develop a comprehensive national vision to strengthen the primary health care workforce across various cadres. This includes physicians, nurses and midwives, allied health professionals, community health workers, and others within primary health care settings. The process will involve a thorough assessment of the current health workforce, stakeholder consultations, a review of best practices, and the development of a practical implementation roadmap.
Dr. Iman Shankiti, WHO Representative to Jordan, reiterated WHO's commitment to supporting Jordan in fortifying its health workforce. "A resilient health system begins with a resilient health workforce," she stated. The development of a national vision for human resources for health is viewed as an investment in better health outcomes, stronger primary health care, and universal health coverage. This initiative will help align workforce planning, education, policies, and investments with Jordan's evolving health priorities, ensuring that the country is better positioned to address future health challenges while advancing equitable access to quality primary health care for all.
The vision development process will be inclusive and consultative, involving government institutions, academic bodies, professional councils, civil society organizations, and development partners. The expected outcome is a nationally endorsed vision and implementation roadmap that will support evidence-informed decision-making, strengthen stakeholder coordination, and contribute to achieving universal health coverage and advancing Jordan's national health priorities.
By investing in its health workforce and strengthening primary health care, Jordan reaffirms its commitment to building a sustainable, resilient, and people-centered health system that delivers quality services for everyone. This initiative also supports WHO's regional efforts to promote investment in health workers as a key driver for achieving universal health coverage and enhancing health outcomes across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.