Jordan Launches Nationwide Dental Infection Control Assessment

Ministry Partners with USAID for Comprehensive Review

JORDAN: The Jordanian Ministry of Health has released an extensive infection control assessment of dental facilities across the nation, conducted in collaboration with USAID throughout 2024. The evaluation, which examined both public and private dental clinics, focuses on sterilization protocols and safety measures in response to rising concerns about antimicrobial resistance.

Emphasis on Antimicrobial Resistance

Speaking at the Jordan Health Forum, Raed Al-Shboul, Secretary-General for Primary Health Care and Epidemics, represented Health Minister Firas Al-Hawari and highlighted the urgency of the situation. “The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens necessitates a fundamental reassessment of our infection control protocols,” Al-Shboul stated.

USAID Collaboration and Implementation

The assessment was funded through USAID’s Medicines, Technologies, and Pharmaceutical Services (MTaPS) program. Bethany Haberer, Director of the Health and Population office at USAID Jordan, emphasized the importance of these measures, noting that “Rigorous prevention protocols serve as the cornerstone of safe healthcare delivery.”

Timeline and Guidelines

The assessment serves as a precursor to new national guidelines, which are scheduled to be implemented in early 2025. These guidelines will establish mandatory compliance standards for all dental facilities operating within Jordan, representing a significant development in healthcare regulation.

Diplomatic Context

The timing of this assessment carries additional significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Jordan diplomatic relations, highlighting the longstanding healthcare partnership between the two nations. The announcement drew attention from key stakeholders, including representatives from the World Health Organization and the National Center for Epidemics and Communicable Diseases Control.

The assessment represents a coordinated effort to enhance dental healthcare safety standards across Jordan, with implications for both public and private practices. The forthcoming guidelines are expected to create a standardized approach to infection prevention practices throughout the country’s dental healthcare system.