Amman, Jordan/Los Angeles, CA September 4, 2007 - As part of its regional response to the Iraqi refugee crisis, International Medical Corps began operations in Jordan on September 1.

IMC's projects in Jordan will improve the quality of the primary health care system that is currently overstretched and under-funded. As a result, vulnerable groups among Iraqis and members of their Jordanian host community will have better access to health services. To meet this goal, IMC is establishing two primary health clinics and one dental clinic. IMC will design and conduct a training course for first time parents in basic health care, hygiene, and primary health care for first-time parents, promote antenatal and postnatal care, and improve the treatment of common childhood diseases.

International Medical Corps President & CEO Nancy Aossey described IMC's new programs in Jordan as a natural progression of the organization's work elsewhere in the region — in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.

"They are part of IMC's long-term Middle East strategy to promote stability by supporting vulnerable communities," she said. "By tackling the problems that foster instability, IMC will help to create conditions for peace and positive social change." IMC has been at the forefront of assisting Iraqi refugees. Since 2003, over four million Iraqis have left their homes of which two million have settled in the region. As one of the few international aid agencies working inside Iraq, IMC is also implementing projects in Syria and Lebanon addressing the growing needs of Iraqi refugees in the region.

IMC's assessment in Jordan indicates that the needs of the estimated 750,000 refugees far outstrip the current response. Iraqis in Jordan suffer from untreated health problems, a lack of employment opportunities, substandard living arrangements and a host of other problems. As in most refugee contexts, women and children are the most affected and neglected segment of this community.

IMC has secured funding from the U.S. State Department Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration to assist tens of thousands of refugees in Jordan as part of IMC's regional approach to the refugee crisis. The projects in Jordan will complement IMC's ongoing assistance programs in Lebanon and Syria and will enhance IMC's regional efforts to assist this vulnerable population.

IMC has substantial regional experience and is familiar with the security challenges, the environment, and the affected populations. IMC is collaborating with the Jordan Red Crescent and the Jordan River Foundation to carry out these activities. By working with local partners, IMC will ensure that the results of this project will be long-lasting.