Jordan's Implementation of the International Health

UNCLAS AMMAN 001107 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR OES/IHB, NEA/RA, NEA/ELA HHS FOR JANE COURY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO PREL AORC WHO JO SUBJECT: Jordan's Implementation of the International Health Regulations REF: STATE 33263 ¶1. The Government of Jordan (GOJ) held a meeting March 31 of focal points from all relevant GOJ ministries, and local representatives of concerned non-governmental organizations and international organizations, to discuss requirements under the International Health Regulations (IHR). Jordan's Ministry of Health (MOH) has taken several steps towards implementing the IHR. It recently informed the 21 domestic health directorates that an official Advisory Committee on IHR has been formed, and a meeting of this committee would soon be held to discuss IHR requirements, including formulating the official IHR Plan due to the World Health Organization in 2009. The MOH has also designated two focal points for IHR in Jordan: Dr. Adel Belbeisi, MOH Assistant Secretary General for Primary Health Care, and Dr. Bassam Hijawi, MOH Director for Infectious Disease Control. ¶2. The list of nationally notifiable communicable diseases in Jordan was updated in 2007. Any "unexpected or unusual diseases or events" now require immediate notification from the health directorates to the MOH. These reporting requirements are in compliance with IHR surveillance and reporting guidance. ¶3. It would be very helpful for Jordan to see the U.S. national implementation plan for IHR as a model for its national efforts. Visit Amman's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/amman HALE