Finding Help at Azraq Camp in Jordan: Health
Huda was a small girl when her family was forced to flee the conflict in Syria. It was a frightening and dangerous journey for Huda, who has Down Syndrome, her two brothers (one of whom has a mental disability), and their single mother.
They made the arduous trek mostly on foot, finally catching a ride on a livestock truck to Jordan. But the ordeal had taken its toll. Huda began to suffer serious breathing problems and needed emergency heart surgery—with nine months of follow-up care.
The family eventually found safety in Jordan’s Azraq Camp, where Huda’s mother made the hard decision to leave the children at home while she earned some income working in the camp.
IOCC provides refugee services at the camp for struggling families like Huda’s. Her brother, Khaled, had his vision tested at an IOCC clinic, where he received glasses. At the same clinic, Huda had her vision evaluated. She was diagnosed with reduced visual sharpness and obstruction of her tear ducts and was referred to a specialist for treatment.
With Huda’s mother working away from home, Huda was able to participate in recreation sessions organized by IOCC. She enjoyed spending time and playing with children, including those with disabilities. And she met other families, who offered help and support. Huda’s morale improved greatly—and so did her mother’s. “I am sincerely grateful to IOCC,” Huda’s mother said, “for organizing an activity that allowed Huda to be included and engage with new friends.”
IOCC has reached more than 10,000 people in Azraq Camp with support, including health services to those living with disabilities like Huda, since 2017.
