Introduction
By the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm, affecting human health and the economy. The short-term implications of this pandemic are evident across the globe, but long-term impacts are yet to be clear. Specifically, the pandemic highlighted the fragility of health systems around the world. The healthcare system in Jordan was found to be not well prepared for such a health shock, despite the high level of health expenditure in Jordan.1 This sheds light on the need to set up an official national entity in place to lead the coordination between all concerned authorities to prevent and combat epidemics and pandemics and other public health events as they occur.
Consequently, The National Center for Epidemics and Disease Control (Jordan Center for Disease Control "Jordan CDC") was established in November 2020 in pursuance of the government’s implementation of the Royal Directive set forth in the letter of designation to H.E. Prime Minister under article number 120 of the constitution. As prescribed in its Bylaw No. (112) for the year 2020, Jordan CDC shall be a dedicated public health institution that promotes public health practices in the prevention of epidemics and communicable diseases and leads the coordination of all-hazard public health emergency preparedness and response efforts, including the bio-terrorist threat.
Vision
Excellence and innovation in public health preparedness, surveillance, prevention, response, research and policy guidance.
Mission
Jordan CDC leads the national coordination efforts to prepare, detect, prevent, combat, and control epidemics, diseases, and public health threats through partnering with related entities to strengthen Jordan’s capacity in managing epidemics, promoting health security, strengthening disease surveillance and response, and promoting evidence-based health policies and decisions.
Values
Equity & Dignity
Jordan CDC contributes to support Jordan efforts to ensure that all people in Jordan equitably have the right to health with dignity and well-being, during emergencies, crises, and circumstances beyond their control.
Collaboration & Partnerships
Jordan CDC builds sustainable partnerships and establishes multi-sectoral alliances with relevant stakeholders to assume complementary roles, and share responsibility for managing epidemics, promoting health security, strengthening preparedness, disease surveillance, prevention, response, research and providing evidence-based policies and decisions.
Innovation
Jordan CDC adopts new approaches to promote health security, strengthening disease surveillance, prevention, response, research and providing evidence-based policies and decisions.
Excellence
Jordan CDC adopts high-quality standards and best practices to improve health security, strengthen preparedness, disease surveillance, prevention, response, research and provide evidence-based.