The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have embarked on a significant humanitarian mission during their quasi-royal tour of Jordan. On the second day of their visit, they are scheduled to tour a critical crisis feeding centre operated by a renowned celebrity chef, highlighting their commitment to global aid efforts.
World Central Kitchen's Vital Role in Gaza
The couple will travel to the regional headquarters of the World Central Kitchen (WCK), an organisation founded by acclaimed chef Jose Andres. This facility plays a pivotal role in coordinating and deploying an astonishing one million hot meals across Gaza every single day. Through an extensive network of field kitchens, community kitchens, bakeries, and strategic partnerships, WCK enables nearly half of Gaza's population to receive essential nourishment amidst ongoing crises.
Invitation from WHO and Broader Humanitarian Focus
Their journey to Jordan comes at the invitation of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The primary aim is to deepen their understanding of the humanitarian efforts supporting the health and wellbeing of Syrians and Palestinians who have sought refuge in Jordan over many decades. A WHO delegation will accompany the Sussexes as they visit the national centre for the rehabilitation of addicts, underscoring mental health support as a key theme of their tour.
Previous Engagements and Upcoming Visits
Yesterday, the couple visited the QuestScope Youth Centre at the Za'atari refugee camp, where they engaged with children evacuated from Gaza for medical care in Jordan. The rehabilitation centre, operating under Jordan's ministry of health's national centre for mental health, boasts a 40-bed capacity. Since its inauguration in 2001, it has served as a short-term residential and outpatient treatment facility, offering medical withdrawal services, psychological support, and social counselling.
On their final day in Jordan, the Sussexes will meet with female leaders at the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, an organisation recognised as a pioneer in sustainable human development. Additionally, they will tour the King Hussein Cancer Centre, further emphasising their focus on health and wellbeing initiatives during this impactful visit.
