Amman, Jordan – In a significant step towards bolstering healthcare services for migrants and strengthening public health systems, the Jordan Center for Disease Control (J-CDC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to enhance collaboration across a multitude of areas, aligning with sustainable development goals and emphasizing the crucial principle of equitable access to healthcare for all.

Both IOM and J-CDC are key partners in previous health-related initiatives within Jordan. These endeavors encompassed projects focusing on public health emergency responses, reinforcing communicable disease surveillance systems, and consultancy services for public health strategies, including those concerning border health and migration-related strategies. By formalizing this memorandum, IOM and J-CDC have committed to closer cooperation in areas of shared interest, with a resolute intent to further enhance and fortify this collaboration. The partnership encompasses a range of vital initiatives, from integrating migrants into national health strategies to enhancing emergency responses as per J-CDC's requirements. Additionally, joint efforts on vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance and public health actions will fortify global health resilience.

IOM Jordan Chief of Mission, Ms. Tajma Kurt, and Acting President of the Jordan Center for Disease Control, H.E. Dr Mohammad Alyahya signing the Memorandum of Understanding to Increase Cooperation / Photo credits @IOM Clement Gibon

With a commitment to knowledge exchange, IOM and J-CDC will conduct shared research, publish findings, and consult on migration-related public health plans. This strategic partnership promises to pioneer innovative solutions at the nexus of health and migration. His Excellency Acting President of the Jordan Center for Disease Control Dr Mohammad Alyahya, and IOM Jordan, Chief of Mission, Her Excellency Kurt Tajma, have formally endorsed the agreement through their signatures.

The Acting President of the Jordan Center for Disease Control, H.E. Dr Mohammad Alyahya stated ”This milestone collaboration signifies a substantial advancement in our continuous efforts to fortify public health resilience. By joining forces with IOM, we are embarking on a journey to strengthen communicable disease surveillance systems, enhance national response capabilities, and refine public health strategies. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, J-CDC, and IOM are committed to driving impactful change in border health, and overall public health prevention, preparedness response, and resilience. Our shared vision is to establish a stronger foundation for a healthier and more secure future for our nation”.

“This collaborative effort builds upon IOM's commitment to promoting safe and orderly migration. By working alongside J-CDC, we aim to enhance the capacity of health professionals, ensuring they possess the requisite skills to provide migrants and host communities with effective and responsive healthcare services,” said IOM Jordan Chief of Mission, H.E. Mrs. Tajma Kurt.

Manal Ali, Assistant Secretary General for Technical AffairsAssistant Secretary General for Technical AffairsJordan Central Disease Control / Photo credits @IOM Clement Gibon

As the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, IOM remains steadfast in its mission to facilitate safe, humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The MoU reaffirms IOM’s dedication to supporting the Government of Jordan in capacity-building initiatives which aim to empower health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver effective and efficient healthcare services to migrants, refugees and host communities. This partnership exemplifies the mutual commitment of IOM and J-CDC to realizing a healthier and more inclusive future. 

IOM MENA Regional Director, Mr Othman Belbeisi, IOM Jordan Chief of Mission, Ms. Tajma Kurt, and Acting President of the Jordan Center for Disease Control, H.E. Dr Mohammad Alyahya  / Photo credits @IOM Clement Gibon

For further information, please contact: Fedza Lukovac, Media and Communications Officer, flukovac@iom.int