Dalia Kashef Zayed

Mrs. Dalia Kashef Zayed


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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DZDalia Kashef Zayed
Dalia Kashef Zayed
SMSalam Momani
Salam Momani
Muna Drweesh HorabiMuna Drweesh Horabi
Muna Drweesh Horabi
AAAlaa Alquran
Alaa Alquran
FAFurat K. Al-Nawaiseh
Furat K. Al-Nawaiseh
Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi, MD, MPHAla'a B. Al-Tammemi, MD, MPH
Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi, MD, MPH
Background: Mapping policies, strategies, and legislations related to disease prevention in Jordan is pivotal for strengthening the country’s public health infrastructure. The aims of our study were to identify, review, and map the existing national policies, strategies, and legislations related to the One Health approach to zoonoses, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), and climate change in Jordan. Additionally, we identified the key strengths and major gaps and uncovered opportunities for enhancement. The current paper reports a part of a nationwide project which was jointly executed in 2023 by the Jordan Center for Disease Control and the Health Care Accreditation Council. Methods: A multimethod approach was employed, including a comprehensive desk review of any existing policies, strategies, and legislations, along with key informant interviews involving key stakeholders. The combination of the desk review and key informant interviews allowed for a more nuanced understanding of the gaps, strengths, and challenges in Jordan’s approach to One Health, AMS, and climate change adaptation. By triangulating the findings from both methods, the study was able to cross-validate its results and ensure greater reliability and accuracy in its conclusions. Results: Our analyses revealed that Jordan has made notable progress in integrating the One Health approach within its regulatory framework, particularly in managing zoonotic diseases, AMS, and climate change. Nevertheless, there is a need for more explicit and effective intersectoral coordination. While the country’s AMS initiatives are supported by a national action plan, they are limited by inadequate public awareness, veterinary regulations, and monitoring systems. Moreover, Jordan’s climate change strategies, aligned with broader sustainability goals and integrated into national frameworks like the environmental protection law, are constrained by a lack of emergency preparedness and multisectoral collaboration. The SWOT analysis highlighted strengths, including robust legal structures and international collaborations, while identifying gaps in enforcement and the need for updated guidelines. Opportunities exist to enhance the reporting mechanisms, public awareness, and international partnerships. Conclusions: Jordan’s integration of the One Health approach to zoonotic diseases, AMS, and climate change adaptation into its disease prevention policies is commendable and aligns with global health priorities. To further enhance these initiatives, Jordan could benefit from updating its public health law and the relevant guidelines and policies, strengthening and structuring public awareness campaigns, and developing detailed climate change adaptation strategies.

DZDalia Kashef Zayed
Dalia Kashef Zayed
RARuba A. Al-Smadi
Ruba A. Al-Smadi
MAMohammad Zakareya Almaayteh
Mohammad Zakareya Almaayteh
TAThekryat Al-Hjouj
Thekryat Al-Hjouj
OHOla Hamdan
Ola Hamdan
Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi, MD, MPHAla'a B. Al-Tammemi, MD, MPH
Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi, MD, MPH
Infectious diseases remain a global threat, with low- and middle-income countries disproportionately affected due to socio-economic and demographic vulnerabilities. Robust laboratory systems are critical for early detection, outbreak containment, and guiding effective interventions. This study aimed to map and evaluate Jordan’s laboratory diagnostic network for communicable diseases, identify gaps, and recommend strategies to strengthen capacity, harmonization, and alignment with international standards. A multi-method approach was employed in 2023 through collaboration between the Jordan Center for Disease Control and the Health Care Accreditation Council. Data were collected via (i) a desktop review of 226 national and international documents; (ii) 20 key informant interviews with stakeholders from the public, private, military, veterinary, and academic sectors; and (iii) 23 field visits across 27 laboratories in four Jordanian governorates. Data were analyzed thematically and synthesized using the LABNET framework, which outlined ten core laboratory capacities. Findings were validated through a multi-sectoral national workshop with 90 participants. The mapping revealed the absence of a unified national laboratory strategic plan, with governance dispersed across multiple authorities and limited inter-sectoral coordination. Standard operating protocols (SOPs) existed for high-priority diseases such as T.B, HIV, influenza, and COVID-19 but were lacking or outdated for other notifiable diseases, particularly zoonoses. Quality management was inconsistent, with limited participation in external quality assurance programs and minimal accreditation uptake. Biosafety and biosecurity frameworks were fragmented and insufficiently enforced, while workforce shortages, high turnover, and limited specialized training constrained laboratory performance. Despite these challenges, Jordan demonstrated strengths including skilled laboratory staff, established reference centers, and international collaborations, which provide a platform for improvement. Jordan’s laboratory network has foundational strengths but faces systemic challenges in policy coherence, standardization, quality assurance, and workforce capacity. Addressing these gaps requires the development of a national laboratory strategic plan, strengthened legal and regulatory frameworks, enhanced quality management and accreditation, and integrated One Health coordination across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. These measures will improve diagnostic reliability, preparedness, and alignment with the global health security agenda.

Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi, MD, MPHAla'a B. Al-Tammemi, MD, MPH
Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi, MD, MPH
HAHindya O. Al-Maqableh
Hindya O. Al-Maqableh
MAMohammad Aljarrah
Mohammad Aljarrah
SASami A. Alhallaq
Sami A. Alhallaq
AAAhmad W. A. AlKhyat
Ahmad W. A. AlKhyat
TMTareq Mukattash
Tareq Mukattash
Background: Jordan is increasingly recognized as a climate-vulnerable setting in the region, yet evidence on the psychosocial dimensions of climate change among young adults remains limited. Led by the Jordan Center for Disease Control, this study assessed climate change perceptual awareness and climate-related anxiety among university students and explored perceptions of climate impacts at global and national levels. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey conducted between April and May 2025, 1305 students were recruited from universities across Jordan using a questionnaire incorporating the 15-item Climate Change Perceptual Awareness Scale and the 13-item Climate Change Anxiety Scale. Results: Awareness of climate change and global warming was high (87% and 96%, respectively), yet only 23% were familiar with Jordan’s National Climate Change Policy 2022–2050. In regression analyses, higher climate anxiety was associated with female sex, married status, larger household size, diagnosed mental health conditions, and central-region university enrolment. Higher perceptual awareness was associated with female sex, older age, and the recognition of multidimensional climate impacts. Students identified heatwaves, drought, and forest fires as principal environmental threats, and respiratory and heat-related illnesses as foremost health concerns. Conclusions: Our findings position climate change as not only an environmental concern, but also as an educational, psychological, and public health priority. To support effective adaptation and resilience, climate awareness must be translated into informed engagement and action. Integrating climate and climate-health education into university curricula, improving youth-responsive communication of national climate strategies, and creating formal pathways for youth participation in climate governance are essential investments in Jordan’s climate resilience, health security, and long-term sustainable development.