Latest news with #FirasHawari
Jordan Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- Jordan Times
'Health spending in Jordan reaches JD2.67b, exceeding int'l, regional averages'
Health Minister Firas Hawari on Thursday says that spending on Jordan's health sector reached JD2.67 billion, accounting for 7.7 per cent of the Kingdom's GDP (Petra photo) AMMAN — Health Minister Firas Hawari on Thursday said that spending on Jordan's health sector reached JD2.67 billion, accounting for 7.7 per cent of the Kingdom's GDP. Speaking at a ceremony to launch the National Health Accounts (2020–2022) and present the findings of a study on government spending during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hawari noted that Jordan's health expenditure surpasses the international average, as well as that of upper-middle-income and Arab countries, where health spending typically stands at around 6 per cent of GDP, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. Hawari said the spending reflects the priorities of Jordan's health system, with 30 per cent allocated to pharmaceuticals and 40 per cent directed toward primary healthcare services. The total government expenditure on managing the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022 stood at JD597 million, the minister added. As part of ongoing reforms, Hawari announced the launch of the Health Financing Reform and Universal Health Coverage Plan (2024–2030). The plan includes establishing a new insurance fund for uninsured members of the Social Security Corporation to gradually expand coverage to the entire population. "The initial phase will focus on primary and preventive healthcare services, which are most effective in reducing disease burden and healthcare costs." Also speaking at the event, President of the Jordanian National Centre for Epidemics and Communicable Diseases Adel Bilbeisi presented a detailed overview of Jordan's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the preventive measures, infection and mortality statistics, the five waves of the virus, and vaccination data, including the number of administered doses and other key indicators.
Jordan Times
21-03-2025
- Health
- Jordan Times
Health Ministry concludes EU-funded project to boost immunisation
The Ministry of Health on Thursday concludesthe EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis, known as "Madad," a five-year project supported by the EU (Petra photo) AMMAN — The Ministry of Health on Thursday concluded the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis, known as "Madad," a five-year project supported by the EU. During the closing ceremony, the project's significant achievements were highlighted, underscoring its vital role in strengthening Jordan's healthcare system, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Health Minister Firas Hawari, who presided over the event, highlighted the project's impact on improving the Kingdom's healthcare infrastructure and ensuring access to high-quality medical services for all residents, including both Jordanians and Syrian refugees. In the presence of government representatives, health sector officials, civil society organisations, and international agencies operating in Jordan, Hawari noted that the project played a crucial role in expanding national immunization programs. He highlighted the distribution of millions of vaccine doses to children, the establishment of a modern regional vaccine warehouse in Irbid, and the upgrading of storage capacities at the national vaccine warehouse, enhancing Jordan's ability to introduce new vaccines in the future. Additionally, the project trained and qualified more than 2,000 healthcare providers and facilitated the transition to a strategic vaccine procurement system in cooperation with the Government Procurement Department and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, helping secure high-quality vaccines at optimal prices. Hawari also stressed that the project had significantly strengthened the resilience of Jordan's healthcare system in responding to emergencies and crises, particularly in supporting the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also pointed to the project's contribution to enhancing national pharmaceutical security through the establishment of a strategic medical warehouse in Yajouz, Zarqa Governorate, ensuring an emergency stockpile sufficient for an additional four months. EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas highlighted the project's considerable success and lasting impact, particularly in expanding immunisation coverage across the Kingdom, including underserved areas and communities hosting Syrian refugees. He also noted that the project improved the medical supply chain by rehabilitating 10 regional warehouses and constructing four new facilities to store medicines and vaccines, a key step towards Jordan's goal of achieving universal health coverage. With a total budget of 43 million euros, the project successfully met its objectives of strengthening primary healthcare, improving vaccine access for Syrian refugees and host communities, and enhancing healthcare quality within an integrated governance system. Among its key achievements were the establishment of a regional vaccination centre in Irbid, the installation of solar power at the national vaccine warehouse, and the purchase of four cold rooms and 380 vaccine refrigerators, enhancing the efficiency and capacity of the national immunisation programme. Page 2
Jordan Times
20-03-2025
- Health
- Jordan Times
Health minister opens 6 new warehouses, vaccination centre in Irbid
Health Minister Firas Hawari on Wednesday inaugurates six newly developed drug storage warehouses and a regional vaccination centre in Irbid, northern Jordan (Petra photo) AMMAN — Health Minister Firas Hawari on Wednesday inaugurated six newly developed drug storage warehouses and a regional vaccination centre in Irbid, northern Jordan. The facilities, funded by the European Union (EU) and developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) office in Jordan, aim to enhance the Kingdom's medical supply chain, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. The opening ceremony was attended by EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhi, WHO Representative in Jordan Jamila Raabi, and several senior Ministry of Health officials. Hawari said that the new warehouses and vaccination centre are part of broader efforts to modernise Jordan's healthcare infrastructure, ensuring the efficient and equitable distribution of medicines and vaccines in line with the government's Economic Modernisation Vision. 'This initiative follows the establishment of the Strategic Medical Stockpile warehouse in Yajouz, inaugurated by His Majesty King Abdullah last year. These new facilities will now support regional stores, hospitals, health directorates, and primary healthcare centres in the north,' Hawari said. The expanded northern warehouses now have a total capacity of 2,650 cubic metres, featuring specialised shelving systems, a refrigerated storage unit of 75 cubic metres for temperature-sensitive medicines, and a fleet of refrigerated medical transport vehicles to ensure safe and efficient distribution. The project, valued at JD850,000, is expected to enhance Jordan's ability to manage medical supplies effectively. Hawari expressed appreciation for the EU's support and the WHO's role in implementing the project, highlighting that these improvements will bolster Jordan's response to health emergencies and align with international supply chain standards. The regional vaccination centre, spanning 480 square metres, is equipped with two cold storage rooms with a combined capacity of 80 cubic metres, alongside additional storage space for dry goods and medical supplies totalling 160 cubic metres. Built to international standards, the centre is designed to enhance vaccine safety, efficiency, and cost-effective distribution. The facility was developed at a cost of JD400,000. Chatzisavas commended the project as a key milestone in Jordan's progress towards universal health coverage, noting that the EU's 43 million euro healthcare programme is instrumental in strengthening Jordan's medical supply chain and benefiting both Jordanians and Syrian refugees. Balkhi stressed that equitable access to safe, high-quality, and affordable medicines and vaccines is crucial for effective healthcare delivery. She noted that the infrastructure improvements align with WHO's regional initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable access to medical supplies. Raabi said that these facilities are part of a larger EU-funded initiative that includes the construction or renovation of 14 warehouses across Jordan. By the end of March, the project will establish a nationwide network of modern medical storage infrastructure, meeting international standards.
Jordan Times
25-02-2025
- Health
- Jordan Times
National survey reveals high tobacco use among Jordanians, urges stronger anti-smoking measures
The national survey on tobacco use among adults aged 15 years and older in the Kingdom says that 38.6 per cent of people started smoking before the age of 18 (JT File) AMMAN – A national survey on tobacco use among adults aged 15 years and older in Jordan on Tuesday revealed "alarming" figures, with 71.2 per cent of males and 28.8 per cent of females reporting they smoke. The survey also found that 38.6 per cent of people started smoking before the age of 18, and 33.8 per cent of smokers light up within the first five minutes of waking up. Also, 53 per cent of respondents supported an increase in taxes on tobacco products, with 33per cent of smokers in favour. These findings were announced by Minister of Health Firas Hawari on Tuesday at the launch of the national survey results. Highlighting prevalence of different forms of tobacco use, the survey found that 51.6 per cent of the sample population used one or more types of tobacco products, including cigarettes, shisha, electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and heated tobacco products. It was reported that 43 per cent of Jordanians smoke tobacco on a daily basis, including manufactured cigarettes, shisha, roll-your-own cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Daily tobacco use is 65 per cent among men and 17 per cent among women. The average number of cigarettes smoked per day is 22, with an average of 22.8 for men and 16.5 for women. The average monthly expenditure on manufactured cigarettes per smoker is JD77.97. Currently, 14.3 per cent of the population smokes shisha, with 6.6 per cent of men (46 per cent of the sample population) and 7.7 per cent of women (54 per cent) reporting use. On average, a smoker consumes 2.6 shisha bowls per day. The use of heated tobacco products is reported by 4.1 per cent of respondents, with 82.6 per cent of users being men and 17.4 per cent women. The prevalence of heated tobacco use is 3.4 per cent among males and only 0.7 per cent among females. The survey found that 7.2 per cent of respondents currently use electronic cigarettes or vaping devices, with 79 per cent of users being men and 21 per cent women. The prevalence is 5.7 per cent among men and 1.5 per cent among women. The average monthly expenditure on electronic cigarettes is JD35.10, of which JD18.5 are spent on the purchase of the device and JD16.60 on refills. The average monthly expenditure on manufactured cigarettes per smoker is JD77.97. Some 33.8 per cent of respondents smoke within the first five minutes of waking up, with 36 per cent of men and 24 per cent of women doing so. The survey found that 59 per cent of smokers expressed a desire to quit, but only 37 per cent had succeeded in doing so in the previous 12 months. A total of 63 per cent of those who tried to quit were unable to do so. The majority of respondents, some 65 per cent,said that smoking was allowed in their homes without restriction, while 20 per cent said that smoking was not allowed indoors at all. Forty-four per cent of respondents said they had seen someone smoking in a government building or office they had visited in the last 30 days (excluding health centres and hospitals). Also, 33 per cent reported seeing someone smoking in health facilities, while two-thirds of respondents saw someone smoking in university buildings, while 32 per cent reported seeing smoking in schools and 62 per cent saw smoking on public transport. More than half of respondents, 53 per cent,supported an increase in taxes on tobacco products, while 46 per cent opposed an increase. Also, 75 per cent of non-smokers supported the tax increase, while only 33 per cent of smokers agreed. Page 2
