Amman, April 7 (Petra) -- World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Jordan Iman Shankiti said World Health Day represents a vital opportunity to strengthen science- and evidence-based health systems, stressing the organization's commitment in Jordan to stand with science through sustained efforts aimed at expanding equitable access to high-quality health services and medical products.
Shankiti told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on Tuesday that, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and national and international stakeholders, the organization is translating that commitment into tangible results that protect community health, because science, when supported collectively, makes a real difference in people's lives.
This year's World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, is being marked under the slogan "Together for health. Stand with science," highlighting the importance of investing in evidence-based health systems, combating misinformation, and ensuring that health policies and decisions are grounded in scientific knowledge to achieve the best outcomes for all.
She said the organization continues, together with its partners in Jordan, to strengthen health system preparedness and response to current and future health challenges.
Shankiti also highlighted the historic role of science in protecting humanity, noting that vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives since 1974, while the measles vaccine alone has saved around 59 million lives since 2000.
She said medical advances such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound have transformed the diagnosis and treatment of disease without surgical intervention, while anesthesia has made life-saving operations safer.
She added that science continues to drive innovation in expanding access to healthcare through telemedicine technologies that serve remote areas.
Shankiti said science also plays a central role in addressing emerging challenges, particularly the climate crisis, which is contributing to health risks such as heat stress, dehydration, and kidney disorders, underscoring the need for evidence-based action to protect communities and strengthen resilience.
//Petra// AO
