EU-funded 'Reayah' Project expands health programs in Jordan

Under the framework of the Reayah Project, funded by the European Union and managed by the Spanish Cooperation, the Royal Health Awareness Society in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education has been able to expand the implementation of the Healthy Community Clinics and Healthy Schools Program.

They offer local communities in Mafraq, Tafilah, and Ajloun the needed services to lead healthier lives, while supporting the national health system to provide strengthened services that contribute to improved management of non-communicable diseases.

Representatives from the EU, Spanish Cooperation, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Education visited Al-Qadisia Primary School for Girls and the Busiera Health Center in Tafilah to learn more about the progress and achievements made through the program, which focuses on raising health awareness within communities, changing harmful social behaviors and advocacy for better access to basic health services for all.

They explained that the project aims to enhance national capacities in primary healthcare and health in government schools and health centers in the provinces of Mafraq, Tafila, and Ajloun, in addition to promoting prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases and raising health awareness in the Jordanian society and Syrian refugees.

As part of the project's activities, a team from The Royal Health Awareness Society, in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Education, organized a visit with the participation of representatives from the ministries and donor agencies.

The aim was to engage the Jordanian community in the process of preventing non-communicable diseases and supporting physical and mental health by spreading awareness about adopting a healthy lifestyle and behaviors.

The visit included a visit to the community clinic at the Buseira Health Center, which included a presentation of Health Community Center program activities and an awareness session for the beneficiaries in the presence of the Director of Health Affairs in Tafila, Dr. Mona Al-Amayreh, and the Director of Education in Buseira District, Engineer Yassin Shuqayrat.

The delegation also visited Al-Qadisia Primary School for Girls, where they were briefed about the activities of the School Health Program, and met with the Head of the Counselling Department in the Directorate of Education in Buseira and the school counselor to clarify all aspects related to the School Mental Health Program.

During the visit, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rifou, the Head of the Department of Educational Guidance in the Education Directorate of Basira, stated: "The Healthy Schools Program is one of the distinguished programs implemented by the association in collaboration with relevant authorities from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education. It plays a role in raising health awareness among students, teachers, educational counselors, and parents through various health-related aspects, such as raising awareness about the risks of smoking, healthy eating, the importance of physical activity, and mental health, which enhances students' health within schools."

Furthermore, Dr. Amal Ireifij, the Director General of RHAS, expressed her delight with the project and emphasized the importance of such initiatives and their impact on society as a whole. She stated, "We aspire towards a healthier future in Jordan, by raising health awareness and supporting mental and physical health through joint and effective efforts towards achieving the desired goal of promoting health awareness in schools."

Reem Jarar, the Director of the School Health Program, affirmed the importance of the program, saying, "The vision of the program aligns with the vision of the “Reayah” project. Through the funding provided by the European Union and managed by Spanish cooperation, we were able to reach over twenty thousand male and female students, providing them with a healthy and safe school environment. Additionally, we elevated their health standards and equipped them with health information and skills that ensure a healthy life, extending to cover their mental health within their schools and the surrounding community. We hope to continue working to reach all students in all schools of the kingdom, in line with the strategy of the Jordanian Ministry of Education."

The Royal Health Awareness Society is one of the initiatives of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, aiming to raise health awareness and reinforce and empower the local community to adopt positive health behaviors. The society implements developmental programs to meet the needs of the local community that align with national health priorities.