Report
The partnership between the Jordan Ministry of Health and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) through the Ahlan Simsim initiative represents a groundbreaking approach to integrating early childhood development (ECD) into Jordan's healthcare system. Targeting critical early years from ages 0 to 5, this program aims to counteract the negative impacts of stress and adversity on child development. It prioritizes the training of healthcare providers in responsive caregiving and social-emotional development, addressing an urgent need within the Middle East and North Africa—a region where many children require humanitarian support. This initiative is particularly vital in improving developmental outcomes for children within both refugee and host communities in Jordan.
By embedding ECD components into routine health check-ups, the initiative advocates for a holistic approach to child development, extending its focus beyond physical health to encompass cognitive and social-emotional well-being. Innovative strategies, such as installing playful learning corners in clinics and employing digital tools for ongoing caregiver engagement, are pivotal to the program’s design. These elements not only support a comprehensive family support system but also encourage active caregiver participation in their child's development. Feedback and research have highlighted high caregiver satisfaction, underscoring the tangible benefits of incorporating ECD practices into healthcare visits. For more information, see this implementation research brief released by NYU's Global TIES for Children.
As the Ahlan Simsim initiative evolves, it continues to adapt and expand, drawing on feedback and ongoing research to refine its strategies. This commitment to innovation and adaptability demonstrates the program's broader goal: to create nurturing environments that foster the holistic development of children. The initiative serves as a model for the global integration of ECD into health systems, showcasing the potential for scalable, impactful change. Through this collaborative effort, Jordan's healthcare system is setting a precedent for supporting the well-being of its youngest citizens, ensuring that children can thrive and develop to their full potential amidst the challenges of the modern world.
Ahlan Simsim is a groundbreaking ECD initiative launched in 2018 by Sesame Workshop and the IRC with funding from the MacArthur and LEGO Foundations, among others. For more information on Ahlan Simsim, visit here.
