Amman, Jan. 5 (Petra) -- Minister of Health Ibrahim Bdour on Monday sponsored the launch of the Jordan Center for Disease Control (JCDC) National Strategy for 2026–2030, in the presence of ministers, secretaries general, representatives of national institutions, and local and international partners.
Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, Bdour stressed the significance of the new strategy, describing it as a reflection of the JCDC’s pivotal role as a cornerstone of Jordan’s public health and health security system. He noted that the concept of health has evolved beyond curative care to encompass national security and societal stability.
The minister said the government places high priority on public health programs and is advancing a shift toward preventive approaches. He underscored the JCDC’s key role in strengthening epidemiological surveillance, enhancing national preparedness, and improving responses to health threats in line with approved national health policies.
Bdour emphasized that addressing growing health challenges requires a broad, participatory approach involving local, regional, and international partners, particularly global public health organizations.
For his part, the JCDC President Adel Balbisi said the strategy translates a clear national vision informed by regional and global experiences, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic.
He affirmed that investment in public health is an investment in the future, highlighting the center’s shift from reactive responses to anticipatory, resilience-based approaches grounded in data and scientific evidence.
Secretary General of the JCDC Tareq Mukattash said the strategy is the outcome of a comprehensive scientific evaluation of the center’s trajectory since its establishment, based on a realistic assessment of national and regional health challenges. He noted that it aligns with state priorities, the Economic Modernization Vision, digital transformation, and public-sector efficiency.
Mukattash explained that the strategy adopts an inclusive, participatory approach developed through institutional dialogue and analytical studies to identify gaps, clarify roles, and strengthen integration within the "One Health" framework.
Its core pillars include governance and institutional integration, modernization of public health legislation, digital transformation and data integration, national capacity-building for prevention and response, support for evidence-based research and policy, and enhanced community and international partnerships.
The World Health Organization's Representative to Jordan, Iman Shankiti, said the launch marks an important step toward strengthening Jordan’s health system preparedness, drawing on lessons learned from COVID-19.
She added that the strategy focuses on enhancing surveillance, laboratory development, capacity-building, and rapid emergency response, affirming WHO’s commitment to supporting implementation in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the JCDC.
//Petra// AO
