Amman, Jordan, November 10, 2024 — On November 7, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), in collaboration with the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the Jordanian Ministry of Health, hosted an event in Za’atari refugee camp to mark World Diabetes Day. The event focused on raising awareness about diabetes and providing vital health education to promote early detection and effective management of the disease among the Syrian refugee population.
Za’atari refugee camp is home to almost 78,000 Syrian refugees, with many of them facing dire challenges to manage chronic illnesses, and almost 1,500 diagnosed with diabetes. Supported by QFFD, the IRC clinic currently serves more than 500 of these patients, offering critical healthcare services amidst the camp’s resource constraints.
The clinic ensures that the patients have access to the necessary healthcare, education and resources to manage the condition. There are regular screenings for all patients over 40 years all, and those who are diagnosed receive a tailored treatment plan, that includes free medication for addressing their needs.
Odeh, a Syrian man living in the camp, said,
“Diabetes affects almost everything. I always try to monitor my diet and movement, but managing diabetes in the camp is tough. The biggest challenges are stress and anxiety. I cannot live comfortably, and my life is filled with pressure and fatigue."
During the event, healthcare professionals provided clear guidance on managing diabetes, emphasizing the importance of regularly checking blood sugar levels, adhering to prescribed medications, and following a balanced and nutritious diet.
Luay Abu Sammour, IRC’s Health Coordinator in Jordan, said,
“This World Diabetes Day provides we hope to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by refugees living with diabetes in Za’atari camp, while demonstrating the need for sustained support in delivering essential healthcare services. With the support of QFFD, we are ensuring that our patients not only get the medical care they need, but are also empowered with the knowledge to manage their condition independently.”
QFFD’s funding has been instrumental in supporting diabetes care in Za’atari, enabling the IRC to secure essential medication, provide nutritional guidance, and ensure regular monitoring of patients' conditions. This grant is supporting the expansion of primary healthcare services to over 23,000 refugees, and facilitating the implementation of an advanced Health Information System (HIS) across three clinics. This HIS platform will allow to improve data-sharing across the clinics in the camp, facilitating access to the patients’ files for the medical staff in the camp, so the respective doctors can analyze their medical history when providing medical advice.
The IRC, QFFD, and the Ministry of Health remain committed to ensuring that refugees living with diabetes in Za’atari have access to the resources and care they need, fostering a healthier, more resilient community.