Sharjah// More than Dh18 million has been donated to help refugee Syrian children.
The donation from the Big Heart Campaign was presented by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the campaign’s patron and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, and will go towards crucial medical aid for 150,000 Syrians.
"As refugee settlements swell up with new arrivals daily, health risks also multiply, putting increased pressure on the supply of clean water, nutritious food, medication and qualified specialists," said Sheikha Jawaher.
“The Jordanian government estimates that it needs no less than US$1 billion per year to maintain refugees. That’s why our contributions must multiply at a faster pace than the demand.”
She thanked the Jordanian communities who have opened up their hearts to Syrians.
The fragile state of refugee settlements, where overburdened municipalities have led to streets swamped with rubbish, clogged sewers and erratic water supply, amplifies health risks.
The situation is worse for hundreds of thousands of unregistered Syrians living in Jordan, as they cannot access health care.
The UNHCR representative in Jordan, Andrew Harper, praised this donation.
“Jordan’s health facilities are stretched to breaking point, so the Big Heart Campaign’s generous support will greatly help UNHCR to keep up with demand,” he said.
malkhan@thenational.ae
