Amman: Minister of Health Ibrahim Bdour announced Jordan's dedication to enhancing its strategic partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and pursuing universal health coverage aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
According to Jordan News Agency, during a meeting at the Ministry of Health with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Bdour emphasized the Kingdom's view of health as a fundamental right and a pillar of sustainable development. He highlighted Jordan's ongoing efforts to construct a resilient healthcare system that ensures access to services for all, despite facing regional challenges, economic pressures, and the responsibility of hosting a significant number of refugees.
Bdour outlined the progress made in recent years, including the modernization of primary healthcare services, infrastructure development, and enhanced medical supply chains. He also discussed the digital transformation of healthcare through the introduction of electronic health records, telemedicine services, and digital health solutions, which aim to improve efficiency, transparency, and decision-making.
He further noted the importance of healthcare quality and patient safety, citing the launch of the National Strategy for Quality and Patient Safety to standardize care across public health facilities. Additionally, Bdour highlighted ongoing mental health reforms, facilitated by WHO cooperation, to expand community-based services and integrate mental health into primary healthcare.
The Minister reiterated Jordan's commitment to offering humanitarian support to refugees, underlining the country's status as one of the top hosts of refugees per capita worldwide and its efforts to provide them with comprehensive healthcare services.
Ghebreyesus acknowledged the meeting as a vital opportunity to reinforce the mutual commitment to universal health coverage and primary healthcare. He lauded the cooperation between Jordan and WHO, particularly in integrating mental health services into the public system, and praised Jordan's humanitarian efforts, such as caring for sick children evacuated from Gaza.
He also addressed the challenges posed by non-communicable diseases and the need to reduce risk factors like tobacco use. Ghebreyesus assured that WHO is prepared to continue supporting Jordan in developing policies and programs that safeguard public health and promote well-being.
Huda Ababneh, Director of the Project Management, Planning and International Cooperation Directorate at the Ministry of Health, provided a presentation on Jordan's health sector, detailing key health indicators, national priorities, challenges, and strategic plans.