Public health crisis leadership: the COVID-19 response experience of the WHO Jordan Country Office in line with the WHO EMRO/UNSSC Programme

Background: The WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) launched the Leadership Programme on Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Response during the second half of 2021. Aims: To reflect on the leadership roles and actions played by the WHO Jordan Country Office from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to date via the unique lens provided by the WHO EMRO/UNSSC course. Methods: The role of the Jordan WCO was reflected on through the unique lens provided by the WHO EMRO/UNSSC course, whose first cohort included COVID-19 pandemic responders in the Eastern Mediterranean countries. Results: The Jordan Country Office was successful in leveraging several aspects included in the Leadership Programme, such as leadership in times of crisis, strategic thinking and planning, emotional resilience, preparedness, adopting a system approach and multisectoral partnership-building. This was particularly evident through the generation of evidence for policy-making and promotion of equitable access to health. Conclusion: The experience of WHO country offices during COVID-19 can be examined through the lens of the EMRO/UNSSC course, which can further advance the search for better leadership in collaboration with national counterparts and partners.