World Health Organization
منظمة الصحة العالمية
Organisation mondiale de la Santé

World Refugee Day art competition brings smiles to the faces of children in hospital

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WHO staff member with children in a Jordanian hospitalThe theme of the art competition was ‘Syrian, Palestinian, Jordanian – whatever your nationality: we all need to be healthy. Draw your favourite person, thing or moment in hospital’.

World Health Organization Jordan marked the completion of its 2014 World Refugee Day Art Competition last week, holding prize giving ceremonies in four participating hospitals – Princess Rahma and Al Ramtha hospitals in Irbid, Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Children’s Hospital in Mafraq, and Totangi Hospital in Amman.

Held over five days from 22 to 26 June in hospitals servicing some of the highest proportions of Syrian refugees in-country, the art competition was open to children of all nationalities accessing health services, their siblings and hospital staff members’ children. The theme was ‘Syrian, Palestinian, Jordanian – whatever your nationality: we all need to be healthy. Draw your favourite person, thing or moment in hospital’.

“The theme was set to encourage children to think about refugee issues, and to reflect on health and why it is important to all, regardless of nationality,” said Chris Maher, WHO polio eradication and emergency support manager.

“We saw a very positive response from the participating hospitals and children from a mix of ages and nationalities taking part,” he said.

Winning entries included pictures of children being attended to by hospital staff and visits from friends and family members.

“The competition was a chance for children to be creative. We were glad that they were able to have fun in a setting that can quite often be challenging for them,” said Joseph Swan, WHO emergency support communications officer.

Hospitals directors, head doctors and nurses embraced the competition and spoke at each of the ceremonies. 

“We noticed the amount of happiness on the faces of the children who participated in this competition and we wish to be part of WHO’s future events,” said Totangi Hospital director Dr Raja’i Fares. “The Ministry of Health cooperates with the World Health Organization in its activities, and we as a hospital affiliated with the Ministry of Health are happy for such collaboration,” he said.

Before awarding prizes WHO thanked children and parents for their efforts and acknowledged the work of hospital staff in treating and caring for children, who are the most vulnerable in refugee situations.

Appreciation for the work of hospital staff was also reflected in the artwork with a number of children depicting their favourite doctors and nurses.

Related link

Roya TV News’ coverage of the event in Amman