Three dedicated staff members (Nyah Gadani, Iqra Ellahi, Momena Khalid) from CSS’ microbiology team embarked on a humanitarian deployment trip to Jordan in collaboration with Zaimah Charity.
Over the course of three days, they travelled across Jordan to distribute vital aid to Palestinian and Syrian refugees living near the borders.
Here is what they said about their visit:
We witnessed first-hand the challenging living conditions faced by these displaced populations.
Many refugees were residing in overcrowded tents, enduring the harsh desert heat with limited shelter and shade.
Despite these hardships, the team worked tirelessly to provide support and relief.
During the deployment, we assembled and distributed a variety of aid packages, that consisted of daily essential items, including:
· Food packages (that enabled families to prepare nutritious meals for up to one month).
· Hot meals (containing chicken, rice, baklava, fresh fruits and a cold drink- offering both sustenance and comfort).
· Special need packages (contained numerous baby essentials, eg wash cloths, formula and nappies which due to limited resources are stretched to one per day, increasing risk of infection)
· Hygiene kits (included soap, toothpaste, shampoo and sanitary products. These supplies are crucial as they promote cleanliness and prevent the spread of infections and disease amongst vulnerable groups)
Completing this work with Zaimah Charity has been an eye-opening experience, allowing us to acknowledge our own privilege and understand how we can use our resources and skills to help others.
Since returning to our roles in the NHS (whether as biomedical scientists or laboratory assistants) this experience has given our work deeper meaning.
It has reinforced the importance of compassion, community support and the vital role healthcare professionals can play beyond the hospital setting.
This deployment has inspired us to continue supporting humanitarian efforts and to remember that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by conflict and displacement.
Leave a Reply