Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Jordan: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Path Forward

Jordan was recognised as one of the priority countries for strengthening its mental health system. It was selected from six globally for the World Health Organisation’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). Although Jordan has shown significant progress in public health, as evidenced by notable reductions in maternal, infant, and child mortality rates along with substantial improvements in healthcare infrastructure, a strong and sustainable healthcare system is essential for long-term health outcomes. Recognising this, Jordan has committed to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and fulfilling the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

In 2008, through a collaborative effort with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Jordan spearheaded the development and implementation of the first national mental health policy and action plan. This initiative involved the active participation of a diverse stakeholder committee. Subsequently, a shift towards community-based healthcare models emerged, acknowledging the complexity of biological, psychological, and social determinants in shaping individual well-being. This multidisciplinary approach necessitates collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other relevant specialists. The overarching objective is to provide comprehensive and holistic care that addresses the multidimensional needs of individuals, encompassing physical health conditions, mental health concerns, and the social determinants of health while prioritising community-based care whenever feasible. This may involve the provision of services such as home healthcare, outpatient clinics, community health centres, and support groups, with hospitalisation reserved for instances where it is necessary.

The reform prioritises integrating mental health into primary care through the implementation of the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). This aims to expand access to services for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and other key conditions. By offering treatment options within primary healthcare facilities, the program ensures that a majority of the population can receive care, even in resource-limited settings.

Initial implementation of mhGAP focused on training and rigorous supervision for healthcare practitioners in Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa. To complement primary care, three outpatient community mental health centres have been established in these areas, enhancing accessibility and quality of care within communities. Furthermore, acute inpatient care has been expanded beyond psychiatric hospitals to include model units within general hospitals and university facilities, improving convenience and accessibility for patients.

In 2010, a significant advancement in human resource development was achieved through the establishment of collaborative partnerships between the nation and prestigious academic institutions. These partnerships, facilitated by reciprocal internship programs, provided invaluable learning experiences for mental health professionals. Exposure to best practices in developed countries, acquired through participation in short training programs and study tours, significantly enhanced the understanding and capacity of these professionals in the planning and management of mental health services at both the national and individual levels

The second strategic priority within the WHO-Jordan Country Cooperation Strategy (2021-2025) centres on the enhancement of public health and individual well-being. This priority encompasses the mitigation of prevalent risk behaviours, including tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, the adoption of unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, and exposure to air pollution. Moreover, the strategy underscores the critical importance of addressing the social determinants of health through the multi-sectoral implementation of the Health-in-All-Policies (HiAP) framework.

Significantly improving mental health outcomes in Jordan necessitates addressing several critical challenges. These include ensuring the long-term sustainability of mental health programs beyond reliance on World Health Organization (WHO) funding, securing sustained political commitment and institutional support, and mitigating the critical shortage of human resources, particularly within the domain of child and adolescent mental health services (currently available in only 12% of schools). Moreover, overcoming the limitations posed by inadequate research, low levels of mental health literacy within the general population, and a limited presence of dedicated advocacy organisations is crucial for achieving long-term success in improving mental health outcomes.

References

• PETRA (2024) Photograph of Ministry of Health building. Published: 2 September. Available at: https://www.petra.gov.jo/Include/InnerPage.jsp?ID=63083&lang=en&name=en_news (Accessed: 2 May 2025).

The Treasury of Petra, also known as Al-Khazneh, by Rima Nserat