AGP Executive Report

Jordan Health Reform: The World Bank has disbursed $100.65m of $400m for Jordan’s Health Sector Reform Program, aimed at improving public health spending efficiency and primary care quality, with the project running to 2031. Gaza Humanitarian Health: Qatar, with Jordan and the UK, hosted a UNGA “Call to Action” meeting focused on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, citing support for medical facilities including fuel supplies and the resumption of a rehabilitation and prosthetics hospital. Public Health & Safety: A report highlights ongoing concerns around unsafe waste burning in Hebron and Gaza, linking lack of safe alternatives to health risks for nearby communities. Medical Science: Israeli-led research involving Bethlehem University and others identified the FMN1 gene’s role in congenital hearing loss tied to gray hair, offering new clues to inner-ear structure. Local Health Access: In Madurai, security is being stepped up for a CM visit tied to a newborn gold-ring program at a government hospital—an example of how health-linked social support is being operationalized. Education Admissions: Jordan’s Unified Admission Coordination Unit opens applications for specific admission and transfer categories, including electronic applications for children of Jordanian women married to non-Jordanians.

Jordan Health Funding: The World Bank has disbursed $100.65m of $400m for Jordan’s Health Sector Reform Program, aimed at improving public health spending efficiency and primary care quality, with work still in early stages and the program running to June 2031. Gaza Humanitarian Access: Qatar, with Jordan and the UK, hosted a UN General Assembly “Call to Action” meeting on Gaza, citing aid for about 436,000 people, hospital rehabilitation and prosthetics support, and fuel supplies including an additional 1.3m litres via a UN agreement. UNRWA Under Pressure: UN Secretary-General António Guterres said UNRWA is indispensable and faces risks to its mandate, warning that political and financial support is urgently needed as services and facilities in Gaza and East Jerusalem are under strain. AI & Youth Mental Health: A large JAMA Pediatrics study linked affective generative AI use with mental health problems in youth, raising concerns about using AI for emotional support. Care in Crisis: The Red Cross warned it has lacked access to Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons for nearly three years, leaving thousands unable to report on health and conditions.

Jordan Food Safety & Enforcement: Jordanian Customs, with the Anti-Smuggling Directorate and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, shut down an unlicensed home lab in eastern Amman making and packaging sexual enhancement products, cosmetic injections, and other unapproved medical supplies, and seized a honey-based product containing active pharmaceutical ingredients plus manufacturing chemicals and equipment. Mental Health Nursing in Primary Care: The Jordan Nursing Council and WHO Jordan held a dialogue on activating nurses’ role in mental health services, urging a shift from delayed response to prevention, early detection, and continuous care through primary health care. Gaza Health Access Pressure: Egypt’s foreign minister called for “sustained and unhindered” humanitarian access to Gaza and early recovery, as UK-Jordan-Qatar discussions highlighted the need to protect healthcare and restore livelihoods. UNRWA Support at UNGA: Jordan’s foreign minister joined a UNRWA ministerial meeting co-hosted with Jordan, Spain and Brazil, stressing international political and financial support for UNRWA’s education, health and relief work. Public Health Risk from Unapproved Products: The crackdown underscores the danger of unapproved injections and pharmaceutical preparations reaching the market, with seized materials transferred to JFDA for legal processing.

Jordan Health & Safety: Jordan Customs, with the Anti-Smuggling Directorate and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, shut down an unlicensed home lab in eastern Amman making and packaging sexual enhancement products, cosmetic injections, and medical injection supplies, and seized a honey-based item containing active pharmaceutical ingredients. Mental Health in Primary Care: The Jordan Nursing Council and WHO Jordan discussed how to activate nurses’ role in mental health services, urging prevention, early detection, and continuity of care through primary health care. Cancer Support for Refugees: The Royal Humanitarian Foundation signed an agreement with the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Centre to fund diagnosis, treatment, and care for Syrian refugees with cancer who can’t afford services in Jordan. Gaza Health Access: Egypt called for “sustained and unhindered” humanitarian access to Gaza and early recovery efforts, with Jordan and Qatar hosting a UN roundtable focused on healthcare and access. Children’s Protection: A UN-linked meeting co-organized by Jordan and Save the Children highlighted urgent action to protect Palestinian children in West Bank and Gaza amid reports of children killed and deprived of food and medicine.

Cancer Care Support: The Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) signed an agreement with the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Centre in Jordan to fund cancer treatment and care costs for Syrian refugees who can’t afford services, covering diagnostics and treatment based on approved medical and social criteria. Humanitarian Access in Gaza: UNRWA Acting Commissioner-General Christian Saunders warned that Israel is making it “extremely difficult” to let critical supplies—like engine oil for generators—into Gaza, and said UNRWA may have to cut long-term services unless a $100 million funding gap is closed soon. Jordanian Field Medicine: Jordan’s Nablus Field Hospital/12 team arrived in Nablus to provide specialized care (including surgery, pediatrics, ophthalmology, dentistry and emergency medicine), while the /11 team returned after treating about 41,983 patients and performing 188 surgeries. Food Safety Regulation: Jordan’s Food and Drug Administration launched an awareness campaign to simplify licensing for home-based food businesses and reinforce food safety and quality standards. Pharma Innovation Push: JEDCO highlighted the need for stronger R&D links between public/private sectors and academia to boost Jordan’s pharmaceutical competitiveness and exports.

Food Safety & Regulation: Jordan Food and Drug Administration launched a campaign to simplify licensing for home-based food businesses, with workshops for women entrepreneurs on safe preparation, handling and trading. Humanitarian Care: Jordanian Nablus Field Hospital/12 team arrived in Nablus to deliver specialized medical and humanitarian services, while Field Hospital/11 staff returned to Jordan after treating tens of thousands of patients. Cancer Support for Refugees: Royal Humanitarian Foundation signed an agreement with the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Centre to fund cancer diagnostics and treatment for eligible Syrian refugees in Jordan. Water Security Investment: U.S. International Development Finance Corporation approved up to $1bn loan plus up to $800m political risk insurance for Jordan’s National Water Carrier project, including desalination and water transmission. Gaza Aid Bottleneck: Reports say Israel has stalled delivery of 900+ wheelchairs donated for Gaza children, with shipments stuck in Jordan storage. Local Health & Safety: Public Security Directorate detailed an Al-Qweismeh assault case, saying the victim remains in moderate condition and rejecting claims of amputation.

UNGA Opening: UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged an end to Middle East violence, warning “ceasefires” are “lesser fires,” while President Trump used his UN speech to defend the war against Iran and repeat threats of “annihilation.” Jordan’s UN Message: King Abdullah II said the world chose to “manage” the Palestinian-Israeli conflict instead of resolving it, calling West Bank displacement a “war crime” and warning about targeted harm to civilians and field hospitals. Gaza Aid Blocked: Reports say Israel has stalled delivery of 900+ wheelchairs donated for Gaza children, with shipments stuck in Jordan warehouses under JHCO management. Water Security Funding: The U.S. DFC approved up to $1B loan plus $800M political risk insurance for Jordan’s National Water Carrier, including a seawater desalination plant and transmission system. Public Health in Amman: Greater Amman Municipality is rolling out a 2026–2028 smoke-free plan with smart monitoring, sensors, and cessation clinics—418 people quit via clinics in the first eight months. Local Safety: Public Security Directorate detailed an Al-Qweismeh assault video, saying three suspects were arrested and the victim’s condition is moderate, rejecting claims of amputation.

Smoke-Free Amman Push: The Greater Amman Municipality is rolling out a 2026–2028 plan to cut smoking, using smart smoke-detection sensors and an electronic system to monitor violations, alongside “Smoke-Free Parks” and school campaigns; it reports 71 smoking violations found and 418 people quitting through municipal clinics so far in 2026. UNGA Humanitarian Focus: Jordan’s King Abdullah II told the UN General Assembly that the world has chosen to “manage” the Palestinian-Israeli conflict instead of resolving it, calling forced displacement in the West Bank a “war crime” and noting Jordanian field hospitals were targeted. Digital Health & Services Angle: Jordan’s government says Sanad has activated 3.25 million digital IDs, with 87.5% of government services digitized, and organ donation registrations now topping 29,000—supporting easier access to health-related services. Gaza Aid Warning: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi said Gaza humanitarian aid is expiring in warehouses because Israel is restricting entry, warning that food and medicine shortages persist despite available supplies.

New Hospital in Zarqa: A 60-bed hospital is planned for King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz City (East City) after Amman Logistic Company and Mawared signed a land-purchase deal, with services set to include emergency, OB-GYN, dialysis, ICU, neonatal care, labs, radiology, pharmacy, and specialized fertility, cardiovascular, open-heart, and neuro units. Influenza Vaccine Update: Jordan’s trivalent flu vaccine is expected to reach private pharmacies next October, with the JFDA pricing set at JOD 8.04 per dose (trivalent) and JOD 9.48 (quadrivalent), and priority groups including chronic patients, pregnant women, older adults, healthcare workers, immunocompromised people, thalassemia patients, and young children. Renewables Grid Rules: The government proposed amendments to renewable energy connection regulations to expand access to connection mechanisms, allow storage-linked systems to raise generating capacity (up to 100% of prior consumption), and support self-generation and grid stability. Mental Health & Community Support: A Tybie 10k Road and Trail Run in Llandybie is set to raise funds for a mental health charity, while Jordan-linked community volunteering news highlights the Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II Award for Voluntary Work opening its fourth cycle for applications. Family & Health Access: Jordanian MPs at a Moscow assembly stressed that families need support for children’s access to education, healthcare, and psychological and social protection amid rising costs and regional crises. Local Education Projects: The Ministry of Public Works and Housing invited bids for four new schools across Madaba, Balqa, Ajloun, and Amman, including health facilities and modern learning spaces.

Influenza Vaccines: Jordan’s trivalent flu shot is set to reach pharmacies in October, with the Jordan Food and Drug Administration pricing it at JOD 8.04 per dose (quadrivalent: JOD 9.48), and the Ministry of Health urging vaccination for high-risk groups like chronic patients, pregnant women, older adults, healthcare workers, and young children. New Hospital in Zarqa: A land purchase agreement clears the way for a 60-bed hospital in Zarqa’s East City under the Meras investment project, with emergency, maternity, dialysis, ICU, neonatal, and specialized fertility and cardiovascular services planned. Gaza Health Recovery: An Amman workshop backed a Gaza health recovery and reconstruction roadmap, with about $20 million pledged for 30 health projects and coordination among Jordanian and international health partners. Volunteering Drive: The Al Hussein bin Abdullah II Award for Voluntary Work opens its fourth nominations cycle, expanding eligibility to all Kingdom residents across four categories, with applications running through end of November. Education Infrastructure: Jordan’s Ministry of Public Works and Housing invites bids for four new schools (JD 8.689m total) in Madaba, Balqa, Ajloun, and Amman, aiming to upgrade facilities including health spaces and labs.

Seasonal Flu Vaccines: Jordan’s private pharmacies will start selling the trivalent flu vaccine next October, with the Jordan Food and Drug Administration setting prices at JOD 8.04 per dose (quadrivalent: JOD 9.48). The Ministry of Health recommends yearly vaccination for high-risk groups including chronic patients, pregnant women, older adults, healthcare workers, people with weakened immunity, thalassemia patients, and children aged 6 months to 5 years. Mental Health in Crisis: An Amman subregional conference focused on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for families affected by missing persons, bringing together experts, researchers, and families to bridge theory and field practice. Education Access: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan directed an expansion of free school transport in Jordan’s southern Badia, adding 3,500 students (raising beneficiaries from 9,000 to 12,500) to improve safe, consistent attendance. Digital Transformation: Crown Prince directives are pushing Jordan’s digital upgrade, including further development of the “Sanad” app and a more integrated, secure national database, with potential uses of AI in healthcare, education, and transport. Nutrition & Youth Health: A local study of 403 Jordanian teenagers (ages 10–17) found 32.9% are overweight or obese, linking higher gaming hours with poorer self-rated physical and mental health and highlighting the need for prevention-focused initiatives.

Digital Health & Governance: Crown Prince directives are pushing Jordan’s digital transformation, with experts pointing to the “Sanad” app as a unified gateway to services and calling for an integrated, secure national database to improve decision-making and public service delivery. Education Access: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan expanded the free school transport project in the southern Badia, adding 3,500 students (raising beneficiaries from 9,000 to 12,500) to help more children attend school consistently. Child Health & Prevention: A local study on teenagers aged 10–17 links heavier gaming with poorer self-rated physical and mental health, while 32.9% of students are overweight or obese—fueling calls for school and family-led prevention efforts. Mental Health Support: An Amman subregional conference focused on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for families of missing persons, bringing together experts, researchers, and affected families to bridge theory and field practice. Water-Smart Farming: Jerash governorate is backing non-traditional crops and smart irrigation through hands-on field schools, aiming to improve returns per cubic metre amid Jordan’s water constraints. Industrial Energy Costs: In Maan, the government laid groundwork for a JD10m natural gas project for Al Rawda Industrial City, targeting lower energy costs and stronger investment competitiveness.

Free School Transport Expansion: Jordan’s Prime Minister has ordered an expansion of the free school bus project in the southern Badia, adding 3,500 students (raising beneficiaries from 9,000 to 12,500) and covering about 900 teachers from the start of the second semester—aimed at improving safe, consistent access to education. Child Health & Obesity Watch: A local study of 403 teenagers (ages 10–17) reports 32.9% are overweight or obese, with low daily physical activity (only 12% active for an hour) and gaps in school PE attendance—while higher gaming hours linked to poorer self-rated physical and mental health. Digital Transformation Push: Crown Prince directives are boosting Jordan’s digital shift, including further development of the “Sanad” app and a connected national database, with experts pointing to potential uses of AI in healthcare, education, and transport. Agriculture Under Water Stress: In Jerash, a field school led by the Princess Basma Centre is training farmers on smarter crops and irrigation to improve returns per cubic metre as water resources tighten. Breast Imaging Tech Update: Koning Health says its Koning Breast CT System has been added to Australia’s therapeutic goods register, enabling commercial supply—using 3D imaging without compression.

Digital Transformation: Crown Prince directives are accelerating Jordan’s digital push, with experts pointing to upgrades for the “Sanad” app, a connected national database, and expanded AI use in healthcare, education, and transport, including the Digital Health Center’s telemedicine services. Cancer Care Access: The WHO highlights a major childhood cancer medicines gap, noting stockouts of key chemotherapy drugs in low- and middle-income settings; the report calls for better medicine circulation so survival doesn’t depend on where a child lives. Gaza Aid Bottleneck: Australian-donated wheelchairs for Gaza’s injured children are stuck in Jordan warehouses near Amman because Israeli aid coordination has blocked deliveries, leaving amputee and paralysed kids waiting. Healthcare Tech Approval: Koning Health’s breast CT system received regulatory inclusion in Australia’s ARTG, enabling commercial supply—relevant for future imaging options that could interest regional providers. Bilateral Health & Training: Jordan’s King Abdullah met Czech leaders in Prague as cooperation expands, including a Czech medical programme in Jordan that has treated thousands since 2013. Public Health & Safety: Reports of ammonia leaks in Jordan’s industrial areas and port facilities point to ongoing risks for respiratory health and emergency response readiness.

Childhood Cancer Access: The WHO says survival for children with cancer hinges on medicine availability, not new discoveries—stockouts of key chemo drugs like methotrexate and etoposide are reported in parts of East Africa, with shortages affecting up to nearly half of critical medicines. Gaza Aid Bottleneck in Jordan: More than 900 wheelchairs donated for injured Gaza children are stuck in Jordan warehouses near Amman because Israeli restrictions block deliveries, leaving amputee and paralysed children waiting. Health Tech in the Region: Koning Health announced Australian regulatory approval for its Koning Breast CT System, a compression-free 3D breast imaging approach—another sign of advanced diagnostics expanding globally. Bilateral Health Cooperation: Jordan’s King Abdullah began an official visit to Czechia, where cooperation includes military medicine, logistics and training; a Czech medical programme in Jordan has treated over 4,200 patients. Public Health & Safety: Reports also highlight injuries from an ammonia leak at Jordan’s Aqaba industrial complex, underscoring ongoing risks around industrial safety.

Childhood cancer access: WHO says survival for children with cancer hinges less on new drugs and more on uninterrupted access to key medicines; stockouts of chemo agents like methotrexate and etoposide are reported in parts of East Africa, with shortages affecting a large share of critical treatments. Medical tech in the region: Koning Health announced Australian regulatory approval for its Koning Breast CT System, designed to capture true 3D breast images without compression. Aid bottleneck in Jordan: More than 900 wheelchairs donated for Gaza’s injured children are stuck in Jordan warehouses near Amman because Israeli restrictions have blocked deliveries, raising urgent concerns for amputee and paralysed children. Regional health diplomacy: King Abdullah began talks in Prague with Czech President Petr Pavel, highlighting cooperation that includes military medicine, logistics, and training; a Czech medical programme in Jordan has treated over 4,200 patients since 2013. Public health and safety: Reports from Aqaba and southern Jordan describe injuries linked to ammonia gas leaks at industrial complexes, underscoring ongoing risks around hazardous materials.