When the Jordanian government imposed a strict lockdown between mid-March and the end of May because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to adapt, change or suspend our projects.

Our reconstructive surgery hospital in Amman offers comprehensive care to patients injured in conflicts across the Middle East. However, border closures at the beginning of the pandemic forced us to suspend admissions for some months and limit activities to essential surgery for existing patients.

As cases peaked in November, we responded to the health ministry’s request for assistance by opening a 40-bed dedicated COVID-19 ward in the hospital. The ward was shut at the end of December, following a reduction in cases.

Our two clinics in Irbid governorate provide Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians with treatment for NCDs such as diabetes and hypertension, leading causes of death in the region. Our services include medical and mental healthcare, psychosocial support, physiotherapy and health education.

In March, when the lockdown started, we switched to phone-based consultations and door-to-door medicine refills. Our mental health projects in Irbid and Mafraq also conducted remote consultations until it was safe for patients to return to the clinic.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to needs identified by UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, we supported the treatment of patients with the virus inside the Zaatari camp. It was assumed that COVID-19 would spread quickly in the camp and overwhelm public hospitals.

We assessed the needs and opened a small treatment centre, where we offered inpatient care in collaboration with the health ministry, UNHCR and other organisations. We also monitored the condition of confirmed patients and their contacts, and transferred patients in need of care to our treatment centre. More serious cases were referred to the public hospital in Mafraq.

No. staff in 2020: 372 (FTE) » Expenditure in 2020: €17.7 million MSF first worked in the country: 2006