The wars in Syria and Iraq have caused a continuous influx of refugees to Jordan, placing growing pressure on the healthcare system.
Since 2014, IRD has implemented Health Support for Iraqi and Syrian Refugees (HSISR), a program funded by the US Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM). The aim is to strengthen the Jordanian healthcare system by increasing health centers’ capacity to serve the growing number of refugees by providing medical supplies, equipment, and professional development training.
Before the implementation of HSISR, patients at the West Ma’an Health Center waited extensively to receive treatment due to slow-functioning equipment. Health center employees contacted the engineering department at the Ministry of Health (MoH) due to a malfunctioning dental unit and electronic rotary, but the engineers only provided a temporary fix to the problems. The health center was unable to serve patients for days and weeks at a time. HSISR replaced the dental unit and electronic rotary, as well as other equipment essential to the functionality of the health center. The contributions from HSISR have enabled the West Ma’an Health Center to deliver more effective services, expedite the treatment process, and serve a greater number of patients every day.
Another aspect of HSISR is home visits by Community Health Volunteers (CHVs). Rasha Jawish, a CHV in Jordan, met with Fatimah, a refugee and mother of five who fled Syria in 2013. Before learning of HSISR and the Princess Basma Health Center in Aqaba, Fatimah did not have access to affordable contraception. When Rasha visited her home, Fatimah learned that the Princess Basma Health Center offers treatment and contraceptives free of charge. Fatimah was grateful for the information and stated that she will be visiting the Princess Basma Health Center every month for all of her family planning needs. HSISR has 68 CHVs working across Jordan and has been able to reach over 54,000 refugees.
