 Gilbert Burnham
Jordan Bloomberg School of Public Health, MPH program
Through the collaboration of partners in the field and faculty mentorship at Johns Hopkins, this study aims to provide a contextual analysis of the health needs and level of health access of the Iraqi refugee population in Amman, Jordan. In addition, in a broader context, this study will explore the impact of conflict on health and evaluate burden of refugees on their host country’s health care system. This analysis will be valuable in filling many gaps in current health-related knowledge about this population and will provide a resource platform for advocacy and assistance efforts.
Personal Statement:
 In January, I traveled to Jordan with four other JHSPH students to participate in a survey conducted with the International Medical Corps, with technical assistance from Center for Refugees and Disaster Response, to assess the health needs of and available services for displaced Iraqis living in Amman. After months of research and preparation, our time in country was dedicated to implementing a survey and conducting key informant interviews, to better understand the health needs and care experiences of the displaced Iraqis. The survey was conducted in seven NGO health clinics in and near Amman. Our student team assisted in the design, development, and implementation of the survey, which assessed health care utilization, access,  needs, health-care priorities, care-seeking behaviors, barriers to care, and demographics of this very vulnerable population. Because the survey was conducted in Arabic, Iraqi physicians, who were themselves displaced, were employed to administer the survey. I worked with the student team to write a manual of operations and conduct a training session to familiarize the physicians with the sampling strategy and the patient interview process.  At the clinics, I was able to speak with both displaced Iraqis and the clinic staff serving them. Other key informant interviews were with staff of other NGOs working with Iraqis, staff from UNRWA, and providers working in the local health care system. Talking to these individuals helped create a much fuller picture of the situation in which Iraqis are living, of their needs, and of what services are available to meet them. It was clear that there is a pressing need for mental health care due to both trauma experienced in Iraq, and the difficulties of displacement and resettlement. There is also significant need for management of chronic diseases and for free medications, coupled with a dearth of providers able to meet these needs. Many of the clinics were over full and had long wait times, but patients were generally satisfied with the quality of care that they were receiving, for the services available.
 Although involvement with the survey kept us busy, we did have some opportunities to explore, getting to know the lands and peoples of Jordan, and gaining a better understanding of its history and culture. We experienced first-hand the hospitality for which Jordan is known. We also came to see the generosity Jordan is exemplifying by opening its borders to displaced Iraqis, and the challenges of integrating and meeting the needs of so many new arrivals, with the limited resources of a fairly small country. In the end, I came home with an infinitely better understanding of the complexity of issues involved with meeting the health needs of displaced Iraqis, and a dedication to helping to provide the information and insight required to aid Jordan in meeting those needs. This experience fortified my passion for refugee healthcare and strengthened my drive to advocate for the rights of displaced peoples around the world.
| 
