EPISODE 5: Time to heal

Your structural support allows us to provide medicine and medical treatment that save lives and prevent deadly diseases

In densely populated refugee camps such as Za’atari, where about 83.000 people live, we are always alert to detect possible disease outbreaks. When a virus such as cholera or typhoid surfaces in the camp, this can spread rapidly and result in a lot of deaths. This is why it is essential that in addition to excellent medical care, we also prevent outbreaks from communal diseases.

Refugees suffer from cardiovascular diseases too

“Sometimes people do not realise that refugees can also suffer from diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or cancer. It is my job to offer them the medical care they need.” The person sharing this insight is Dina, our colleague in Jordan who is responsible for health care in Za’atari. “We have a hospital with 55 beds in the camp. But we do not have all the medical equipment we would ideally have. This means that people with life-threatening diseases have to be transported to a hospital in Jordan.”

The war has serious consequences for children’s health

“Of course there are also people in the camp with a handicap. They need assistance and physiotherapy. We see that people with pshychological problems need medication and therapy.

The entire Syrian health care system has been destroyed, so we also need to make sure that all children receive their vaccinations.”

“Every person has the right to a safe child-birth”

Dina: “This work poses a lot of challenges. But what strikes me the most, is gynecology and prenatal care here in Za’atari. Whether you are forced to flee or not, as a woman you have the right to give birth in a safe environment, assisted by professionals.”

“It is tough work. We work really long days. We are stationed in the middle of the desert. But there is nothing as satisfying as being able to help these vulnerable people.”

Dina Jardaneh, Assistant Public Health Officer in Jordan