ammonnews.net

AMMONNEWS - By Professor Mujalli Mhailan - Since the war in Syria began, more than a million Syrian refugees have come to Jordan. Jordan shares history, culture, and a long open border with Syria. Jordan provides access to preventative and curative services to Syrian refugees.

Over 70% of Syrian refugees are residing among host Jordanian communities. Only 30% of the Syrian refugees reside in camps, which started in early 2012; the largest camp is Zaateri, with an estimated population of 120 000. In the camps, UNHCR and other partners, with the support of the Jordanian Ministry of Health (MOH), provide health and humanitarian support. However, for the larger proportion of refugees outside the camps, not all needs can be adequately addressed. The Jordanian MOH provides full access to health services for the Syrians outside camps along with the local Jordanian population. Additionally, some non-governmental organizations and private sector practitioners also deliver services to Syrian refugees outside the camps.

Most of the refugees' demand is located in the four northern governorates, and in Amman where specialty care can be found.

Thanks to the Jordanian MOH's vigilance and support from WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, to date no major infectious disease epidemics have occurred, but outbreaks appeared and risks are increasing (1).

At the present COVID-19 Pandemic, the Jordanian Government, Military, Police, Civil Defense, Security Forces and the MOH are doing their best to defeat this monster, from the beginning of the pandemic till now there is only about 400 cases and 5 deaths only, with no cases in the refugee camps.

Without additional support to respond to this COVID-19 Pandemic, Jordan's health sector will suffer not just the immediate loss of life and health among Syrians and Jordanians, but will also see a major erosion of the gains Jordan has made over decades of investment in health and health systems.

The people and Government of Jordan are committed to assisting Syrians.

We need support from the international community to respond to the many and additional health and living needs of Syrian refugees.

Jordan is committed to continuing to care for refugees from Syria and other countries, but the system is dangerously overstretched. Excessive demands on our health system pose risks to our health status and social stability. We are committed to the health of both Syrians and Jordanians. We invite the international community to join us and assist in this effort particularly during this COVID-19 Pandemic.

Jordan debt to the World Bank Group is about 42 Billion $, on the other hand the Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) , is greatly and negatively affected by the curfew and the total shutdown of all the Tourist facilities and sites in Jordan as Petra , Jarash, Jadara , Jordan River , and others during this COVID-19 Pandemic crisis .

As a good percentage of Jordan debt to the World Bank Group is related to waves of refugees, from nearby places Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and lastly Syria. And, also because of the present COVID-19 Pandemic crisis .It is suggested that World Bank Group waives all Jordan debts.

Finally, this step is needed urgently, and should be supported by all humanity loving people.