Jordan – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Jordan?

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the dominant cause of illness and death in Jordan, accounting for 78% of all fatalities — predominantly cardiovascular conditions, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. This pattern broadly mirrors trends seen in many higher-income nations across Europe and East Asia, yet Jordan’s rates are considered disproportionately elevated given the country’s income level and the relatively young profile of its population.

Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for 29% of deaths, while cancer accounts for 26%; diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases contribute 5% and 2% respectively. Notably, close to half of all NCD-related deaths occur before the age of 70, making clear that these are not exclusively conditions of old age — they strike working-age people and represent a formidable public health challenge.

The principal drivers behind Jordan’s disease burden include elevated body-mass index, unhealthy dietary patterns, high fasting plasma glucose levels, tobacco smoke exposure, and raised systolic blood pressure. Ischaemic heart disease stands as the single leading cause of death, responsible for 15.98% of total mortality, a position it has held consistently since 2005.

Among infectious diseases, brucellosis, tuberculosis (TB), respiratory infections, and waterborne illnesses carry the greatest burden in terms of prevalence, illness, and mortality. Further detail on these conditions is provided in the infectious diseases section below.

The rising NCD burden is underpinned by a constellation of risk factors, including widespread physical inactivity, salt- and fat-heavy diets, hypertension, and elevated blood glucose. Cities like Amman tend to display higher rates of diseases linked to sedentary living, while rural and more remote governorates may face distinct patterns of disease risk and uneven access to healthcare services.

Is Jordan considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Jordan’s life expectancy stands at approximately 78.1 years, above the global average of 73.7 years — positioning the country ahead of the world benchmark and broadly comparable to many middle-income peers. This represents a meaningful achievement for a nation that has contended with substantial refugee pressures and limited public sector resources.

Population health in Jordan has improved markedly over recent decades, with child and maternal mortality declining and vaccination coverage reaching 95% of all children. These are strong results by regional standards and reflect sustained commitment to primary healthcare and immunisation programmes.

Healthy life expectancy at birth — defined by the World Health Organisation as the average number of years a person can expect to spend in good health — stands at 65.6 years for men and 64.5 years for women, giving a combined figure of 65.1 years. This health-adjusted measure falls considerably short of overall life expectancy, reflecting the substantial years lived with chronic illness or disability, particularly from the NCDs described above.

According to the 2019 Human Development Report, Jordan recorded a Human Development Index value of 0.723 for 2018, placing it in the high human development category alongside upper-middle-income countries worldwide. Nevertheless, ongoing pressures on the healthcare system — including the demands of a large refugee population — continue to stretch available resources.

Readers are encouraged to consult the WHO Jordan country profile and the Jordan Department of Statistics for the latest figures, as these indicators are updated periodically and may have evolved since this article was written.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Jordan?

Among the infectious diseases carrying the greatest burden in Jordan are brucellosis, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and waterborne illnesses. The country faces ongoing public health challenges from these conditions, exacerbated by prolonged regional conflict, large-scale population displacement, and constrained resources. For most expats arriving from countries where these diseases are uncommon, awareness and some preventive action are the key requirements.

Brucellosis — a bacterial infection usually acquired through unpasteurised dairy products or close contact with livestock — is particularly prevalent in Jordan and the surrounding region. Expats should avoid consuming unpasteurised milk or cheese, especially from informal vendors or rural markets. Waterborne illness also poses a risk; while Jordan’s tap water is generally treated, it is not universally regarded as safe to drink straight from the tap, and many households rely on bottled or filtered water as a routine precaution.

In 2024, Jordan succeeded in eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease, demonstrating continued public health progress. However, hepatitis A and typhoid fever remain concerns linked to food and water contamination, and immunisation against both is widely recommended for people planning to live in Jordan.

Sand flies are found in parts of Jordan and can transmit leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease largely unfamiliar to people from most of Europe, the Americas, or East Asia. The risk is relatively modest for those living in central Amman, but individuals residing in or travelling to rural areas or desert terrain should protect themselves from insect bites by applying repellents and using bed nets where needed.

Air quality in Amman warrants genuine attention. The city experiences elevated concentrations of particulate matter, driven by desert dust and vehicle exhaust emissions. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis may find their symptoms intensify, particularly during the dust storms that are common in spring and early summer.

For vaccinations, most travel health authorities advise people moving to Jordan to be fully up to date on routine immunisations — including measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and influenza — alongside hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis for those with likely animal contact. Always verify current recommendations with your home country’s travel health authority and the Jordan Ministry of Health, as guidance is subject to change.

Is smoking common in Jordan, and what are the laws around it?

Eight in 10 men in Jordan use tobacco or nicotine products, and smoking rates among women are on an upward trajectory. These figures rank among the highest anywhere in the world, far exceeding levels recorded in Western Europe, Australia, or Canada, where sustained public health investment has driven smoking rates down substantially over many years.

Waterpipe — or shisha — smoking is deeply woven into the social fabric of Jordan and is especially widespread among younger adults. Newcomers often find themselves struck by how routinely shisha features in cafés, restaurants, and social occasions; it carries none of the social disapproval that cigarette smoking has attracted in many other parts of the world, and it is firmly established as a cultural institution.

More than 65% of Jordanians report significant exposure to secondhand smoke in public spaces. Legislation restricting smoking in enclosed public areas does exist, but enforcement has historically been patchy, and expats should not expect smoke-free zones to be reliably free of smoke in practice.

The scale of Jordan’s tobacco epidemic prompted a formal national response, and in 2024 the country officially launched its long-awaited National Tobacco Control Strategy. While the strategy had gone through multiple rounds of drafting and revision in preceding years, the 2024 launch represented the moment when a concrete tobacco control action plan was formally distributed to all government bodies for coordinated implementation.

Cigarette prices remain relatively low despite taxation, keeping tobacco products accessible across income groups. Those who are sensitive to smoke — including people with respiratory conditions, allergies, or young children — should take smoking prevalence into account when choosing where to live, work, and spend leisure time.

The Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places formally prohibits both vaping and smoking in all its premises, and a significant proportion of the population is conscious of the religious perspective on tobacco use. Increasingly, religious frameworks are being incorporated as a positive tool within smoking cessation initiatives.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Jordan?

Overweight and obesity affect 60% of adults in Jordan, with the figure exceeding 80% among older women. Close to one in three children aged between 6 and 12 years are also overweight or obese. These statistics position Jordan among the countries with the highest obesity prevalence in the Middle East and across the globe — substantially above the OECD average of roughly 25% of adults.

The underlying drivers are well-documented: widespread physical inactivity combined with diets high in salt, sugar, and fat. Traditional Jordanian cooking — featuring dishes such as mansaf (lamb served over rice), maqluba (a layered rice and meat dish), and a plentiful supply of bread, oils, and sweets — is rich, generous in portion size, and can be high in calories and saturated fat. While there are Mediterranean-influenced elements, including olive oil, legumes, and vegetables, eating patterns in urban settings have increasingly shifted towards processed and fast foods.

Tobacco use, obesity, and other harmful behaviours are becoming more entrenched across Jordan and are directly fuelling the rise in chronic disease incidence. The combination of high smoking rates and widespread obesity creates a compounding risk profile for cardiovascular disease and diabetes — the country’s two greatest killers.

A number of national strategies have been developed to address these trends, including the National Tobacco Control Strategy 2024–2030, the National Nutrition Strategy 2023–2030, and the National Mental Health and Substance Use Action Plan 2022–2026. Together, these represent a coordinated government effort — backed by the WHO — to reverse the NCD trajectory.

For expats, Jordan’s food environment can be both a pleasure and a challenge to navigate healthily. Fresh produce is plentiful at local souqs (markets) and generally affordable, and larger cities — particularly Amman — offer a growing selection of gyms, fitness studios, and health-conscious dining options. Incorporating regular physical activity into daily life, however, requires more deliberate planning than in cities designed with cycling lanes and walkable neighbourhoods.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Jordan?

Mental health remains heavily stigmatised in Jordan, as it does across much of the wider Middle East. Experiencing psychological difficulties is frequently perceived as a sign of personal weakness or as something that reflects poorly on one’s family, and many people deal with such challenges privately within their family network rather than turning to formal services. This cultural context means mental health conditions are almost certainly underreported and underdiagnosed.

Initiatives such as mhGAP (the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme) and the Thinking Healthy Programme have broadened access to care by training non-specialist health workers, strengthening referral pathways, and improving the availability of essential medications. These programmes aim to bring mental health support into primary care settings, making it both more accessible and less socially conspicuous.

The Ministry of Health is collaborating with a range of partners — including media organisations — to build public awareness around mental health and chip away at the stigma surrounding it. This represents an important cultural evolution, though it remains at a relatively early stage.

Jordan’s healthcare system is comparatively fragmented and hospital-focused. In contrast to countries with extensive public mental health provision — such as the UK’s NHS, which maintains community mental health teams and structured talking therapy services — Jordan’s public mental health infrastructure is limited and geared primarily towards severe psychiatric presentations. Counselling and psychotherapy are far more available in the private sector, particularly in Amman, where a growing cohort of trained clinical psychologists and psychiatrists practise.

Expats grappling with the stresses of relocation, cultural adjustment, or distance from family are likely to find private mental health support the most practical and accessible option. Fees for private consultations vary, so verifying mental health coverage with your insurer before you arrive is strongly recommended. Some international employers and embassies also provide access to employee assistance programmes (EAPs) offering confidential counselling.

Mental health crisis lines have been established in Jordan through a collaboration involving the Ministry of Health, the Jordanian Association of Psychiatrists, and the International Medical Corps, and these can serve as an initial point of contact for people in acute distress.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Jordan?

Expats moving to Jordan face a range of health adjustments that extend well beyond adapting to a new disease environment. Understanding these in advance can smooth the transition considerably.

Climate and heat: Summers in Jordan are intensely hot, particularly in the Jordan Valley and desert areas such as Wadi Rum, where temperatures frequently exceed 40°C (104°F). Heat exhaustion and dehydration are real hazards for those unaccustomed to such conditions, especially during their first summer. Staying well hydrated, avoiding vigorous outdoor activity during the hottest afternoon hours, and using appropriate sun protection are habits worth establishing from the outset.

Altitude: Amman is situated at roughly 700–1,000 metres above sea level. This is unlikely to cause altitude sickness in most people, but individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions may experience some initial adjustment, particularly when physically exerting themselves.

Dietary adjustment: Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common experience for newcomers as the digestive system adjusts to local food and water. Being selective about street food early on, choosing well-established restaurants initially, and using bottled or filtered water for drinking and dental hygiene can help ease this adjustment period.

Secondhand smoke exposure: With more than 65% of Jordanians reporting significant secondhand smoke exposure in public spaces, non-smoking expats and those with respiratory conditions should factor this into decisions about workplaces, social settings, and where to live.

Health insurance: Out-of-pocket spending represents approximately 83–84% of total household health expenditure in Jordan (based on 2016–2017 data), which underlines just how important it is to secure comprehensive private health insurance before arriving. Public health services are available to registered residents, but coverage is inconsistent and facility quality varies markedly between Amman and more rural parts of the country.

Practical steps expats should prioritise include registering with a reputable local GP or family medicine clinic promptly after arrival, ensuring all routine vaccinations are current, completing a full health check-up if one has not been done recently, and confirming that your insurance policy covers outpatient and inpatient care, mental health treatment, and medical evacuation.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Jordan?

Navigating Jordan’s health landscape becomes significantly more manageable when you have the right contacts and resources in place before or shortly after arrival. The following are the most valuable starting points.

1. Jordan Ministry of Health (MoH): The central government authority for public health, vaccination programmes, and health policy. Their official website at moh.gov.jo provides news, contact details for government health facilities, and public health guidance.
2. WHO Jordan Country Office: The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office for Jordan publishes health profiles, NCD data, and updates on ongoing public health programmes — particularly useful for understanding the broader health landscape and monitoring evolving guidance.
3. Your home country’s travel health authority: Organisations such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the UK National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC / TravelHealthPro), or equivalent bodies in other countries publish regularly updated vaccination recommendations and health advisories for Jordan. Consult these before travelling and revisit them periodically after settling in, as guidance can change.
4. Private hospitals in Amman: Institutions such as the Jordan Hospital, Istishari Hospital, and Arab Medical Centre are well-regarded private facilities offering care to international standards, with many staff members fluent in languages other than Arabic. These are the hospitals most frequently used by the expat community for both routine and specialist needs.
5. Expat community networks: Online forums and community organisations for expats based in Amman often maintain informal directories of recommended doctors, dentists, and specialists. Peer recommendations can be particularly helpful when seeking providers experienced in treating international patients.
6. Jordan Department of Statistics: dosweb.dos.gov.jo publishes national health and population statistics, providing useful context on health trends and demographic patterns.

Health guidance, vaccination requirements, and disease risks can shift rapidly — especially in a region as dynamic as the Middle East. Always verify current information through official sources both before moving to Jordan and at regular intervals once you are resident there.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Jordan

Is the tap water safe to drink in Jordan?

Jordan’s tap water is treated and technically satisfies WHO standards in many urban locations, but water quality can vary between regions and is affected by the condition of local pipe networks. Most residents — Jordanians and expats alike — routinely use bottled or filtered water for drinking and cooking as a precaution. For those new to the country, adopting this approach is sensible until you have verified the quality in your particular area.

What vaccinations do I need before moving to Jordan?

Most health authorities recommend that people relocating to Jordan be fully current on routine immunisations — including MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and influenza — as well as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and potentially rabies pre-exposure vaccination for anyone likely to come into contact with animals. Always confirm the latest recommendations with your home country’s travel health authority and the Jordan Ministry of Health, as advice can change.

How serious is the air pollution in Jordan?

Air quality in Amman in particular can be a real concern. The city’s surrounding hills can trap pollutants, and the combination of vehicle emissions and windblown desert dust produces elevated particulate matter levels — especially during spring and when dust storms occur. Individuals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions should keep an eye on air quality forecasts and discuss management strategies with a doctor familiar with the local environment.

Can expats access Jordan’s public healthcare system?

Legal residents of Jordan may in principle use public healthcare facilities, but the system is structured primarily around Jordanian nationals, civil servants, and military personnel. Jordan’s healthcare system is comparatively fragmented and hospital-centric. The majority of expats depend on private health insurance and private providers, which tend to offer more consistent care quality, shorter waiting times, and better language accessibility in major urban areas.

Is diabetes a major problem in Jordan?

Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are rising health concerns in Jordan, with significant long-term implications for population health. Diabetes is driven by high obesity rates, limited physical activity, and diets rich in refined carbohydrates and sugar. Expats managing diabetes or pre-diabetes should ensure they have adequate medication supplies, seek out a local endocrinologist or GP promptly after arrival, and bear in mind that blood sugar management may require extra attention given Jordan’s intense summer heat.

Are mental health services available in English or other languages in Amman?

Private mental health practitioners in Amman are increasingly able to consult in languages other than Arabic, reflecting the presence of a sizeable expat and diplomatic community. Asking your employer’s HR team, your health insurer, or expat networks for recommendations can help you find therapists or psychiatrists with multilingual capability. Options become considerably more limited outside the capital.

How prevalent is brucellosis in Jordan, and should expats be worried?

Brucellosis features among Jordan’s high-burden infectious diseases and carries notable prevalence across the country. The primary route of infection is through consuming unpasteurised dairy products or direct contact with livestock. Expats can substantially reduce their exposure by buying only pasteurised milk and cheese from established supermarkets and steering clear of informal or rural dairy products. As no human vaccine exists for brucellosis, food safety practices are the central line of defence.

Is Jordan considered safe for expats with chronic health conditions?

Jordan is a manageable destination for expats living with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, provided thorough preparation is undertaken beforehand. Private medical care in Amman is of a reasonable standard for routine management of these conditions. Essential steps include taking out comprehensive health insurance before departure, bringing a sufficient supply of regular medications along with a doctor’s letter listing their generic names, identifying a suitable specialist in Amman before or shortly after arrival, and remaining mindful of how Jordan’s climate — particularly extreme heat and airborne dust — may interact with your condition.