Category: Medical and Health

Jerusalem, Israel – The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over the increasing attacks on medical facilities in the occupied West Bank.

According to Jordan News Agency, there have been more than 170 Israeli attacks on healthcare centers since October 7. The organization emphasized that healthcare facilities should not be targets, referencing international war regulations that protect hospitals, schools, and other civilian infrastructures from assault.

US Ambassador to Jordan Yael Lampert voiced the White House’s concern regarding the recent injuries suffered by Jordanian medical staff in Gaza.

According to Jordan News Agency, Lampert, in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), extended wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to its alliance with Jordan, particularly in humanitarian assistance efforts in Gaza. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also expressed concern over the incident and thanked King Abdullah II and Jordan for their supportive role.

Under Royal directives, the Jordan Armed Forces dispatched an integrated field hospital to Nablus in the West Bank.

According to Jordan News Agency, This initiative is part of Jordan’s continued efforts to provide medical and therapeutic services to the people in the region. According to official sources, the hospital includes a comprehensive medical team covering all specializations and is equipped with various medical supplies. This deployment underscores the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s commitment to supporting the people of the West Bank.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted that cervical cancer, a significant global health concern, can be effectively prevented and treated. On the occasion of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action 2023, marked annually on November 17, WHO’s regional office released a statement emphasizing that cervical cancer accounts for 300,000 deaths worldwide each year, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries. The disease ranks as the 6th most common cancer among women in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, with around 89,800 women diagnosed and over 47,500 deaths in 2020.

According to Jordan News Agency, The WHO statement underscored the potential for prevention and treatment of cervical cancer, especially when diagnosed early. Late-stage cancers can also be managed with appropriate treatment and palliative care. The organization stressed the importance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as a highly effective and safe preventive measure. The vaccine is recommended for girls aged 9-14, with varying dosages based on age and immunocompromised status.

In 2020, WHO Member States committed to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem, a first for any cancer. The Regional Elimination Strategy for the Eastern Mediterranean includes strategies such as accelerating HPV vaccine introduction, improving cervical screening, enhancing treatment and palliative care services, and strengthening health systems. It also focuses on communication and advocacy to increase awareness and counter vaccine hesitancy. The 2023 Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action marks three years of global efforts involving survivors, leaders, and advocates to eradicate this disease.

Cairo – Jordan’s Ambassador to Egypt, Amjad Adaileh, visited Palestinian children with cancer at the (57357) Hospital in Cairo on Wednesday.

According to Jordan News Agency, These children, evacuated from the Gaza Strip, are to be transferred to Amman for cancer treatment. According to Adaileh, this initiative is under the direction and supervision of King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. The ambassador was briefed on the health of these 12 children, who are the first batch of Gazan children suffering from cancer. Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh expressed Jordan’s readiness to receive and provide medical care for them. Adaileh also met with Egyptian Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar to discuss ongoing collaboration and gratitude for Egypt’s support in this humanitarian effort.

Gaza – Seven personnel of the Jordanian Field Hospital in Gaza were injured while treating Palestinian casualties from an Israeli bombing.

According to Jordan News Agency, The spokesperson for the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) – Arab Army, reporting on Wednesday, stated that the injuries ranged from minor to stable, and the staff received immediate care. An official investigation has been launched to examine the incident, reaffirming Israel’s obligation to protect the hospital and its staff. The spokesperson emphasized the hospital’s commitment to continue its humanitarian duty under the directives of His Majesty, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Amman – witnessed the inauguration of the seventh Health Care Accreditation Council (HCAC) conference and exhibition titled “Quality from a Global Perspective: Future Aspirations.” The event, opened by the Minister of Health Firas Hawari, representing His Majesty King Abdullah II, was attended by notable figures including Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired.

According to Jordan News Agency, the Council’s Executive Director, the conference centers on embedding quality and safety for patients and workers as a fundamental aspect of all operations and productions in the health sector. The event features six main sessions and six workshops, drawing in 500 participants. The sessions are led by a cadre of experts specializing in enhancing health service quality and patient safety, covering not just Jordan but also regional and international perspectives.

Ruwaida Maaytah, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Health Institutions Accreditation Council, emphasized the partnership between the Council and the Jordanian health sector as a top priority. She elaborated on the Council’s commitment to King Abdullah II’s vision for economic modernization and its collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Health to meet the objectives set for 2025. Maaytah highlighted the integral support from various stakeholders, including customers, employees, the Board of Directors, and sponsors, in achieving the Board’s goals. These goals extend beyond accreditation, focusing on building quality management systems in all healthcare activities in Jordan and supporting the growth and development of the country through education and training in healthcare.

Yassin Hassan, Chairman of the Conference, pointed out the conference’s significance as a major annual event in the region for healthcare quality, attracting a wide array of participants and speakers globally. He noted that the conference represents a key outcome of the HCAC’s efforts since 2010, aiming to equip the Jordanian health sector with the latest tools, innovations, and knowledge in quality and safety. It seeks to enhance institutional capabilities, involve all health sector workers, and foster cooperation with global experts in the field.

Keynote speaker Peter Lachman, a Quality Improvement Fellow and Lead Faculty Quality Improvement at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and former director of International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), emphasized the pivotal role of doctors in leading quality medical services and the accreditation system. Lachman underlined the importance of prioritizing safety, especially in emergencies, and described quality as a journey beginning with accreditation, followed by institutionalization, reliable indicators, and ultimately, a people-centered healthcare approach focusing on prevention and primary care.