Amman, January 12 (Petra) — The Head of the National Center for Epidemics and Communicable Diseases Control, Adel Balbeisi, underlined the importance of effective cooperation between sectors and unified teamwork in confronting epidemics and health crises.

Balbeisi made his remarks during a workshop recently organized by the center to discuss the findings of a report on Jordan’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, prepared by CRDF Global in 2022, was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Center for Security and Crisis Management, and representatives from civil and military agencies involved in managing the pandemic.

In a statement released by the center, Balbeisi described the COVID-19 pandemic as more than a health crisis, calling it a “real test” of Jordan’s crisis-response capabilities. He highlighted the health and economic challenges the Kingdom faced, which led to the creation of the National Center for Epidemics and Communicable Diseases Control, modeled after leading global epidemic control centers.

Balbeisi also emphasized the collaborative development of Jordan’s national plan to confront epidemic diseases, approved by the Cabinet. The center was tasked with distributing the plan to relevant institutions and overseeing its implementation. The plan was developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the National Center for Security and Crisis Management, the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment, and the Royal Medical Services.

Meanwhile, Raed Shboul, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health for Primary Health Care and Epidemics, lauded the collective efforts of ministries and civil and military institutions during the pandemic. He praised the role of health and non-health personnel across various sectors in maintaining the resilience of Jordan’s healthcare system, protecting public health, and reducing burdens on society.

Shboul noted that the Ministry of Health led the pandemic response efforts by implementing emergency plans, coordinating across sectors, and managing resources to ensure continuity in delivering essential health services. He added that the Ministry bolstered national capabilities in diagnostics, treatment, vaccination, and epidemiological monitoring while fostering transparent information exchange with local and international partners.

Workshop participants emphasized the significance of the report’s outcomes and recommendations, noting their potential to enhance Jordan’s healthcare system and strengthen the country’s preparedness and response to future epidemics.

//Petra// AJ
12/01/2025 14:53:08