Amman, July 7 (Petra) -- Jordan and Spain on Tuesday launched the "Reayah 2" project under a €5.5 million grant to strengthen primary healthcare services and support Jordan's efforts to further develop its healthcare system.

Minister of Health Dr. Ibrahim Al-Badour and Spanish Ambassador to Jordan Jose Luis Pardo Cuerdo signed a letter of intent marking the launch of the project, which reflects the longstanding partnership between the two countries in the health sector.

Implemented jointly by the Ministry of Health and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the project aims to improve the quality and accessibility of primary healthcare services for all residents, including refugees and host communities.

Al-Badour said the initiative demonstrates the continued cooperation between the Ministry of Health and AECID and their shared commitment to strengthening Jordan's primary healthcare system.

He said the ministry is continuing to implement its comprehensive strategy to develop the health sector in line with the Economic Modernization Vision and national priorities by improving healthcare quality, expanding access to services and ensuring their long-term sustainability.

Al-Badour described primary healthcare as the cornerstone of the national health system because of its central role in disease prevention, early diagnosis and the management of non-communicable diseases.

He said the project will strengthen primary healthcare services in Zarqa Governorate by enhancing institutional capacity, improving the skills of healthcare professionals and upgrading service quality to better meet the needs of beneficiaries.

The minister expressed appreciation to the Government of Spain and AECID for their continued support and partnership with Jordan, stressing that investment in primary healthcare systems represents an investment in public health and a more sustainable future.

For his part, Ambassador Pardo Cuerdo reaffirmed Spain's commitment to supporting Jordan in strengthening its public healthcare system and ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare services.

He said reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases through prevention, early detection and stronger primary healthcare remains a strategic priority of cooperation between Jordan and Spain.

The project seeks to improve access to primary healthcare services and enhance their quality, particularly in the prevention, early detection, management and treatment of non-communicable diseases, with a special focus on Zarqa Governorate.

"Reayah 2" builds on the achievements of the first phase of the "Reayah" project, which was funded by the European Union and implemented through AECID, further supporting the development of primary healthcare services and preventive healthcare programs.

The project will also strengthen technical cooperation and knowledge exchange between Jordan and Spain while building on partnerships established during the first phase to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of Jordan's healthcare system.

//Petra// RZ