Amman, Dec. 21 (Petra) – Minister of Health Ibrahim Badour said Jordan’s pandemic preparedness is a firm national commitment aimed at safeguarding public health, strengthening health security, and building an integrated system capable of responding effectively to current and future health threats.
Speaking Sunday at the launch of the Pandemic Readiness Enhancement Program in Jordan, Badour said the initiative reflects a comprehensive national approach based on institutional integration and international cooperation. The program is implemented by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Badour said the program seeks to enhance prevention, preparedness, and response capacities in line with the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. He noted that unifying national and international efforts is essential to addressing cross-border health risks and strengthening early warning and response mechanisms.
He added that the program addresses gaps in Jordan’s pandemic preparedness framework by strengthening surveillance systems, upgrading human and veterinary laboratory capacities, and investing in health workforce development, underscoring the need for high-level coordination and institutional commitment to ensure effective implementation.
World Health Organization Representative in Jordan Iman Shankiti said the Pandemic Fund project reflects collective action to protect lives and livelihoods, contributing to stronger and more sustainable health systems capable of confronting future emergencies and mitigating their humanitarian, economic, and social impacts.
Food and Agriculture Organization Representative in Jordan Nabil Assaf said pandemic preparedness depends on a participatory approach linking health, agriculture, veterinary, and environmental sectors. He added that close partnerships among national institutions, international partners, and local communities are central to building integrated surveillance and response systems and ensuring food system sustainability.
United Nations Children's Fund Representative in Jordan Marc Rubin said the program supports timely access to accurate information, community engagement, and the protection of children and vulnerable groups, noting that trust and communication are critical to preventing health threats from escalating into emergencies.
Funded by the Pandemic Fund, the program represents an investment of $4.02 million for Jordan, with an additional $1.04 million in co-financing from implementing partners. It focuses on strengthening surveillance and early warning systems, developing the national laboratory network, building health workforce capacity, and investing in community-based resilience.
//Petra// AJ
