As of 30 November 2017, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), had recorded 655,624 registered Syrian refugees in Jordan. Approximately 80 per cent of registered refugees live outside the camps, primarily concentrated in urban and rural areas in the northern governorates of Jordan. The remaining Syrian refugees live in camps, mainly in Al Zaatari Camp (±80,000) and Al Azraq Camp (±36,040). The significant influx of refugees over the last seven years has had an impact on service delivery and generated the need for humanitarian assistance.
GMF Australia partnered with Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), a humanitarian organisation from the USA, on a weeklong medical and dental mission to Jordan from the 18th to the 23rd November 2017.
57 volunteers took part in this mission that was conducted in various locations across Jordan. Clinics were held at Al Zaatari refugee camp, Mafraq, Irbid, Needa Al – Khair, Sweleh, Russaifa, Ramtha, Maadaba, Zarqa, Petra and Badia.
2,334 patients were treated, and 144 surgeries performed which included cardiac, general surgery and gynaecological procedures. 185 dental procedures were also carried out during this mission.
Cases seen included respiratory and skin infections, anaemia, worm infestation, diabetes and associated complications, foot ulcers, hypertension, depression and anxiety, PTSD, women’s health, children with disabilities, cardiac disease, adults and children with poor oral hygiene, cholelithiasis, COPD and asthma, hernias, hydroceles, IBS and generalised complaints of aches and pains, headaches and insomnia.
Our volunteers visited an orphanage and a local NGO that rehabilitates injured Syrian refugees. 106 food packages were distributed to needy families.
GMF Australia acknowledges and sincerely thanks all those who donated, took part in the fund-raising events, Icon medical supplies for donating medical supplies towards this mission and to all those who worked hard towards making this mission possible.
