Latest news with #Hawari
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.
