Dubai, UAE – The Jordanian Ministry of Health and AstraZeneca have joined forces at COP28, the United Nation’s Climate Change Conference in Dubai, and set the stage for environmentally sustainable healthcare in Jordan.

Moreover, The agreement, signed by H.E. Professor Firas Al Hawari, Minister of Health in Jordan, and Rami Scandar, Country President Near East and Maghreb at AstraZeneca, addresses the global challenge of reducing the health industry’s carbon footprint. Responsible for approximately 5% of annual greenhouse gas emissions, this collaboration aims to establish sustainable, low-carbon healthcare in Jordan by 2024. The initiative introduces a “green hospital accreditation framework” that assesses carbon footprints, incorporates solar panels for renewable energy, and implements water purification systems in healthcare facilities.~

Furthermore, Rami Scandar, Country President, AstraZeneca, said, “The detrimental health impacts of climate change on people and the planet are being increasingly felt, including through a rise in chronic and infectious diseases. Recognising that no one business, government, or organisation can do it alone, AstraZeneca is committed to playing our part to build a more sustainable healthcare future in Jordan, and this agreement is an important step towards that goal.”

H.E. Professor Firas Al Hawari, Minister of Health, Jordan said: “In Jordan, the Ministry of Health is committed to its sustainable vision seeking to reduce the negative impact of health services on the climate. The Ministry is determined to enhance the health sector’s resilience preparing local communities and vulnerable populations to face the effects of climate change while ensuring health equity. With this partnership we look forward to fulfil our mission serving our Jordanian communities and environment.”

This agreement is part of AstraZeneca’s broader engagement at COP28. The company has shared scalable solutions and raised awareness about the climate-health crisis. AstraZeneca has reaffirmed its Ambition Zero Carbon program, which focuses on decarbonization across the company’s global value chain.

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Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, also participated in a COP28 event co-hosted by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the World Health Organization. The event, titled “Reimagining Sustainable Healthcare,” convened Health Ministers and changemakers to propel progress toward achieving sustainable, resilient healthcare systems in the Middle East and North Africa.