QFFD, IRC launch healthcare services project for Syrian refugees

AMMAN — The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have launched a project to provide primary health care services to over 23,000 Syrian refugees in the Zaatari refugee camp.

QFFD on Monday announced that the IRC, along with Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent Society, will offer reproductive health care, treatment for non-communicable and chronic diseases and vaccination services, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The project will also implement a health information system to manage healthcare data and streamline service delivery in three clinics, the fund added.

QFFD pointed out that this initiative, set to continue for about two and a half years, aims to address urgent health needs in the world’s largest Syrian refugee camp.

QFFD Acting Director Gen. Sultan Aseeri stressed the fund’s commitment to ensuring a decent life for refugees through providing essential health care and easy access to it, which are essential to build successful primary health systems.

President and CEO of the IRC David Miliband highlighted the impact of reduced humanitarian funding for Jordan’s Syria Response Plan, which has diminished health service availability in the Zaatari camp and forced many humanitarian actors to withdraw, which left more than 80,000 refugees, half of whom are children, without vital medical services.

IRC Jordan Country Director Nivedita Monga noted that studies show growing health needs in Syrian refugee camps, while primary health services are decreasing.

She expressed gratitude for the funding from the QFFD, which will expand critical health care services through IRC clinics and partner organisations to thousands of refugees in Zaatari.