Jordan

Jordan hosts the second largest number of refugees per capita in the world. At the same time, many Jordanians are struggling with poverty and vulnerability. More than 83% of Jordan’s refugee population lives in host communities and depends on unstable and informal livelihoods. Jordan is also one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, and poor infrastructure, climate change, and population growth further exacerbate the situation.

In 2020, strict COVID-19 containment measures have had devastating consequences on livelihoods, access to water, hygiene, and mental health, disproportionately affecting refugees and vulnerable Jordanians.

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Action Against Hunger's team in  Jordan provides water, sanitation, hygiene, mental health, food security, and livelihoods support in refugee camps and among host communities. Last year, we rehabilitated water and sanitation activities, raised awareness about good hygiene, and established a regional WaSH Master’s Degree in partnership with the German Jordanian University and Bioforce. We launched a a community compost unit in Azraq and provided cash for work and support for small businesses in the waste management sector. We also continued to work towards strengthening the mental health system and co-lead the regional No Lost Generation MHPSS Taskforce.

When COVID-19 hit, we assessed the unique needs of program participants. Our teams trucked in water and distributed hygiene and latrine cleaning kits in host communities, Azraq camp, and other informal tented settlements. We provided mental health support remotely and raised awareness on COVID-19 and healthy hygiene practices. The office also launched a research project COVID-19’s impact on mental health in Jordan.