Charity MAP International Providing Aid to Syrian Refugees in Jordan

Veronica Neffinger | iBelieve Contributor | Updated: Jan 24, 2017

Charity MAP International Providing Aid to Syrian Refugees in Jordan

ChristianHeadlines.com recently corresponded with MAP International, a Christian relief organization which is providing aid to Syrian refugees who have fled to Jordan. MAP International's president and CEO, Steve Stirling, spoke about the situation and the help MAP is providing.

 

ChristianHeadlines.com: What is the greatest need of Syrian refugees at this time and what can outsiders do to help?

MAP International: One of the greatest needs is medicine and medical supplies. Because families had to flee their homes quickly, many came to Jordan with nothing. Although they receive a small stipend from the UN, it’s not enough to cover more than food. So in addition to providing life-saving medicines and antibiotics, MAP International is also providing basic care products like soap, vitamins and toothbrushes. These are things we often take for granted, but can make a big difference. We are thrilled that we were recently able to deliver our $6 billionth shipment since MAP was founded 63 years ago. While there is still much work to be done, we are honored to have reached this milestone and look forward to continuing to help those who urgently need medicine and medical supplies. 

ChristianHeadlines.com: Are these refugees from the conflict in Aleppo?

MAP Interntaional: Most of the Syrians who flee to Jordan are not from Aleppo, but rather from the southern part of Syria. Most of the refugees from Aleppo escaped to Turkey or other parts of Syria.

ChristianHeadlines.com: Is there anything unique about the refugee situation in Jordan (as, perhaps, opposed to Iraq or other places in the Middle East)?

MAP International: Jordan is a relatively resource poor country with a population of 6.5 million. With an estimated 1 million refugees now in the country, many cities have doubled in population and 1 in every 6 people in the country is a refugee. The situation has strained resources of Jordan in every way.

ChristianHealdines.com: Are there any personal stories that could be shared about the help these refugees need/have received from MAP?

MAP International: One woman came to the clinic to see a doctor because she and her children had been ill for weeks. The doctor gave her prescriptions to treat their illnesses, but she headed to the door to leave. When one of our staff stopped her, she explained that she didn't have any money to pay for the prescriptions. When she was told that the medicine had been donated by MAP International and was free for her, she threw her arms around our staff person and said,  “Thank you, thank you!” So many refugees just need medicine like ointment for diaper rashes or ear infection for their kids. The response from the refugees has been overwhelmingly full of gratitude and disbelief that the medicine and medical supplies have been donated for them. 

 

To find out how you can help refugees in need, visit https://www.map.org/ 

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: January 24, 2017



Charity MAP International Providing Aid to Syrian Refugees in Jordan