The Ninth International Conference of the Jordanian Public Health Association convened in Amman under the theme “Advancing Public Health for a Resilient Future.” The event brings together prominent public health experts, decision-makers, and practitioners from Jordan and abroad to explore innovative approaches to strengthening health systems and ensuring their sustainability in the face of evolving global challenges.
Organised in collaboration between the Jordan Public Health Association (JPHA) and the Jordan Medical Association (JMA), the conference serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and policy development among key stakeholders in the health sector.
Speaking during the opening session, University of Jordan (UJ) President, Prof. Nathir Obeidat, emphasised the pivotal role that universities play in supporting and sustaining national healthcare systems. He underscored the need to integrate public health with clinical medicine to elevate the healthcare sector and achieve its long-term strategic objectives.
In a panel discussion titled “Challenges Facing the Jordanian Health System,” Obeidat conveyed the University’s pride in the quality of medical education in Jordan, noting that UJ’s School of Medicine graduates achieve a 100 per cent success rate in U.S. medical speciality board examinations. This, he explained, reflects the academic excellence of Jordanian institutions and enhances their international reputation.
He also called for the establishment of a national training program in medical subspecialties to address the growing shortage of specialised medical professionals. Such a program, he noted, is essential to meeting sector demands and ensuring comprehensive, high-quality patient care.
Obeidat further highlighted the University’s strong partnerships with leading medical institutions, including the Jordanian Royal Medical Services, King Hussein Cancer Center, and the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrine and Genetic Diseases (NCDID), which provide students with access to advanced clinical training environments. He also commended the University’s School of Public Health for its role in building healthcare capacities and advancing scientific research in public health disciplines.
In his concluding remarks, he stressed that investing in research, embracing innovation, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration are essential steps toward building a resilient healthcare system capable of responding to current and future challenges.
The panel featured contributions from distinguished experts, including Dr. Raed Al-Shboul, Dr. Malek Al-Zoubi, Dr. Amer Abu Khalaf, Dr. Saif Abu Al-Rub, and Dr. Zaid Al-Tahan. The session addressed critical challenges facing the Jordanian health system and proposed actionable strategies for improving infrastructure and enhancing the capacity of the healthcare workforce.
The first day of the conference also featured a scientific seminar sponsored by Pfizer, highlighting recent advancements in pharmaceutical care and vaccine innovation. Attendees visited a dedicated medical exhibition and took part in a memorial session honouring the late Dr. Abdullah Basharat and Dr. Nizar Sartawi. The session was moderated by Dr. Mohannad Al-Nsour, Executive Director of the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET).
The conference will continue on Friday with additional sessions focusing on public health education, medical training, and the development of forward-looking, resilient healthcare systems.