Jordan Centre for Disease Control, IOM sign MoU to enhance cooperation

AMMAN — In a significant step towards bolstering healthcare services for migrants and strengthening public health systems, the Jordan Centre for Disease Control (JCDC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration across a multitude of areas.

The move aligns with sustainable development goals and emphasises the crucial principle of equitable access to healthcare for all, according to an IOM statement. 

Both IOM and J-CDC are key partners in previous health-related initiatives within Jordan. These endeavours 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 formalising this memorandum, IOM and JCDC have committed to closer cooperation in areas of shared interest, “with a resolute intent to further enhance and fortify this collaboration”, read the statement. 

The partnership encompasses a range of vital initiatives, from integrating migrants into national health strategies to enhancing emergency responses as per JCDC’s requirements. Additionally, joint efforts on vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance and public health actions will fortify global health resilience. 

With a commitment to knowledge exchange, IOM and JCDC 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, the statement said. 

Acting President of JCDC Mohammad Alyahya, and IOM Jordan Chief of Mission Tajma Kurt signed the agreement

Alyahya said: “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, JCDC, 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 JCDC, 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 Kurt. 

As the leading intergovernmental organisation in the field of migration, IOM remains steadfast in its mission to facilitate safe, humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, the statement said. 

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, it added.