Minister of Health, Dr. Firas Hawari, on Thursday launched the first plan to respond to public health emergencies at Jordan’s border crossings (Mudawara, King Hussein Bridge, and Passenger Terminal – Aqaba Port), which came in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and related authorities.
The plan aims to protect Jordan from any infectious diseases, according to a Ministry of Health statement.
Hawari said the ministry attaches importance to border crossings by introducing specialized equipment and training staff, adding that development of a comprehensive plan for crossings’ emergency response is made in consultation and coordination with the relevant authorities, and in cooperation with the IOM.
The minister also noted that preparing plans for the various crossings aims to create a “clear” guideline, which explains the roles of different sectors in responding to public health emergencies.
The role of border crossings is important to prevent spread of communicable diseases and pandemics, and develop their readiness to confront Covid-19 in the future, according to the minister.
For her part, the IOM Director, Tajma Kurt, said the public health emergency response plan comes with the coordination of multiple relevant authorities, and aims to prevent transmission or spread of infectious diseases into Jordan.
Kurt noted the “effective” use of the public health emergency response plan reduces the risk of the spread of any pandemic by international travelers.
Source: Jordan News Agency