Intensifying Jordan's COVID-19 preparedness and response was made possible with a generous funding provided by Kuwait recently. As part of helping Jordan strengthen its response to the pandemic, WHO provided technical support to the national authorities to develop the National COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan. This plan addresses nine pillars including Point of Entry (PoE) with focus on supporting surveillance and risk communications activities.
The Ministry of Health of Jordan and WHO conducted a series of trainings to build the capacity of health workers at points of entry to scale up operations for COVID-19. For 10 days in a row , more than 120 participants from 7 points of entry were trained on active case-finding through use of electronic surveillance tools to report COVID-19 suspected cases. The Android tablets provided to all participants were used by teams in the field during contact tracing. Health personnel working at points of entry were trained on active case finding as part of the national surveillance system, and use of electronic modalities and platforms for real-time data sharing and management of travellers, including contact tracing.
Based on WHO technical guidelines, and with the financial support from Kuwait, national authorities are now better equipped to analyse imported cases and enhance screening at points of entry, with WHO-provided thermal scanners. In addition, WHO is supporting labs at PoE – it procured Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), sampling and testing kits and medical waste management supplies. WHO risk communications and advocacy materials are now available at points of entry for both staff and travellers.