ADFD-Funded Veterinary Educational Hospital Launched In Jordan To Boost Veterinary Care

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art veterinary educational hospital at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. This 7,000-square-metre facility stands as the first of its kind in Jordan and the largest in the region. It aims to align with global veterinary medicine advancements, elevate educational standards, and boost public awareness regarding veterinary care. The project, with a valuation of AED26 million (US$7 million), was financed by the ADFD through a grant provided by the UAE in 2012 to Jordan via the Gulf Development Fund, amounting to AED4.6 billion.

The hospital's inauguration saw the presence of notable figures including Dr. Bishr Al Khasawneh, Prime Minister of Jordan, alongside Zeina Touqan, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Jordan, Faisal Al Zeyoudi, Charge D’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Jordan, Dr. Khaled Al Salem, President of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Dr. Myassar Alekish, Director of the Veterinary Educational Hospital, among other dignitaries.

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the ADFD, expressed his contentment at the project’s commencement. He emphasized its critical role in bolstering the education sector's capabilities and offering advanced scientific training opportunities within the country. "The fund has maintained a strategic partnership with the Jordanian government since 1974. The opening of this faculty affiliated with Jordan University of Science and Technology marks significant progress in educational sector development," Al Suwaidi remarked.

Al Suwaidi further highlighted that this strategic project is designed to benefit both university students and the local community by providing advanced scientific training opportunities for students at the College of Veterinary Medicine and preparing them for future employment prospects. Moreover, he pointed out that the educational hospital would offer therapeutic care for livestock, thereby supporting food security initiatives and promoting sustainable development in Jordan.

Zeina Touqan stressed the importance of this strategic initiative in preserving livestock in Jordan and acknowledged the support from the UAE facilitated by the ADFD. This collaboration significantly aids the Jordanian government in implementing its development programs aimed at achieving comprehensive economic and social development.

Dr. Khaled Al Salem expressed pride in completing this project, which advances education in Jordan. "We are proud to have established this veterinary educational hospital with our university staff's oversight and support from the ADFD. This project has enabled us to reach our development goals by creating an ideal environment equipped with modern devices, tools, and laboratories to ensure our students receive quality education," he stated.

The facility boasts various veterinary medical departments and specialist clinics. Its infrastructure development and service facilities provision were integral parts of this project. The ADFD has been instrumental in supporting Jordan's development across key sectors such as renewable energy, transport, healthcare, and education with investments totaling approximately AED6.5 billion ($1.7 billion).

With inputs from WAM