Aqaba, Dec. 10 (Petra) -Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and Jordanian National Centre for Epidemics and Communicable Diseases Control (JCDC) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), aimed at strengthening cooperation in health monitoring, prevention, and rapid response to epidemics and communicable diseases.
This cooperation will contribute to raise level of health preparedness, enhance the national health security system, and ensure a rapid response to any emergency.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Nidal Oran, ASEZA Commissioner for Environmental and Public Safety Affairs and Dr. Adel Balbisi, JCDC Director.
Talking at the signing ceremony, Oran stated that this cooperation is a "crucial step given the "strategic importance of Aqaba as Jordan's only maritime gateway and a major hub for transportation and trade via sea, land, and air ports." This situation, he noted, increases the potential spread of epidemics and communicable diseases due to travel and trade, as well as the nature of industrial activities and handling of chemicals, which require special preparedness for deal with health emergencies.
For his part, Balbisi emphasized Aqaba's "vital strategic" location as Jordan's sole maritime outlet, pointing out that this reality makes it essential to strengthen the public health and safety system.
Both sides affirmed that this cooperation aligns with national legislation governing their respective operations, supports efforts to enhance the Kingdom's healthcare capabilities, responds to the increasing industrial and logistical development in the region, and ensures the "highest levels" of public health and safety.
Under the memo, both sides will develop joint coordination mechanisms and enhance cooperation in several areas, mainly development of an effective and integrated epidemiological surveillance system in the Aqaba region.
Additionally, they will conduct periodic assessments of potential risks, exchange health data and epidemiological reports, and implement joint training programs, workshops, and exercises and simulations for responding to health emergencies.
The memo also contains cooperation in the field of health studies and research, expertise transfer, and access to the two sides' available laboratories and facilities for implementing joint programs.
The memo represents a new step in strengthening national partnerships in line with Aqaba's vision of becoming a safe and advanced economic and logistical hub.
//Petra// AG
