Ammon News -

 U.S. Ambassador to Jordan Henry Wooster and USAID Mission Director Sherry F. Carlin met with Minister of Health Dr. Natheer Obeidat on Thursday to discuss U.S. assistance to Jordan's health sector and joint response to the COVID-19 epidemic. 

 

Following the meeting, U.S. Ambassador Wooster noted that “the COVID-19 crisis underscores the importance of our partnership to both Jordanians and Americans.  Since the pandemic began, we have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Ministry in support of Jordan’s National COVID Response Plan, equipping hospitals, training frontline medical personnel, and collecting epidemiological data.  COVID-19 is more than a public health crisis; it’s an economic crisis. I’m optimistic Jordan will adjust.  The United States remains committed to Jordan’s recovery and stability.”

USAID Mission Director Carlin added:  “While Jordan’s current disease trajectory is of serious concern, affecting many aspects of the economy and our lives, the U.S. government’s response goes well beyond health. We established a rapid response to help small businesses survive.  With our partners in the Government and private sector, we are supporting online and distance learning to help all children access education during this difficult time, and we are working to ensure continuity of Jordan’s water supply and reliable access to clean water.  We are proud of our partnership with Jordan and look forward to our continued cooperation.” 

 

In the last 20 years, the United States has provided over $1.8 billion in health assistance, which contributed to building the backbone of Jordan’s outstanding health care system that has helped thousands of Jordanians recover from COVID-19.  U.S. assistance for Jordan's COVID-19 response totals almost $35.4 million, including $8 million specifically to aid vulnerable populations in Jordan and to improve the country’s testing capacity, which has proven vital to Jordan’s national response.