Children evacuated from the war-torn Gaza to Jordan

Smiles and laughter filled the Children’s Museum Jordan earlier this month as children evacuated from Gaza and their families came together for a day dedicated to healing and psychosocial well-being.

Held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein and organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Jordan, the event underlined the integral role of mental health and psychosocial support in the recovery of children affected by conflict.

The day was also attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Zein bint Al Hussein, United Nations Resident Coordinator Sheri Ritsema-Anderson and ambassadors and representatives of partner countries.

Under His Majesty King Abdullah II’s Jordan Medical Corridor initiative, WHO-supported medical evacuation efforts have enabled children from Gaza to receive lifesaving medical treatment in Jordan.

While access to specialized health care is essential, recovery does not stop when treatment does.

Children who have experienced conflict and displacement need safe spaces, emotional support and opportunities to reconnect with childhood.

The programme hosted by the Children’s Museum Jordan offered children and their families a morning of interactive experiences, including guided tours, creative arts, storytelling, educational exhibits and activities designed to foster resilience, social connection and emotional well-being.

The event created opportunities for children to simply be children again – learning, exploring, laughing and spending quality time with their families.

Speaking during the event, WHO Representative in Jordan Dr Iman Shankiti underlined how supporting children’s mental health is an essential component of humanitarian response: “Healing goes beyond medical care.

Children affected by crisis need opportunities to feel safe, regain confidence, reconnect with others and experience moments of joy. Psychosocial support is not an optional addition, it is an integral part of recovery.”

The World Health Organization expressed sincere appreciation to Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein for her generous patronage of the event, reflecting her continued commitment to advancing mental health and psychosocial support for children and families affected by crisis.

WHO also welcomed the participation of Her Royal Highness Princess Zein bint Al Hussein, whose presence underscored Jordan’s longstanding humanitarian commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families.

The presence of ambassadors and representatives from partner countries underlined the international community’s solidarity with children affected by the crisis in Gaza.

The WHO extended its sincere appreciation to Canada, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland for their generous support of the medical evacuation initiative which has enabled children from Gaza to access lifesaving care in Jordan and is supporting their continued recovery through comprehensive health services, including mental health and psychosocial support.

Since the launch of the Jordan Medical Corridor initiative, WHO has worked closely with national and international partners to coordinate medical evacuations, facilitate continuity of care and provide essential health services for evacuated children and their caregivers.

Recognizing that recovery must address both physical and emotional well-being, integrating mental health and psychosocial support into these efforts is a key priority.

WHO calls on Member States and partners to sustain support for medical evacuation efforts and comprehensive health services for people affected by crisis.

Together, these partnerships help restore not only health, but dignity, resilience and hope.

Healing goes beyond medicine. It means restoring hope, dignity and well-being for every child and family affected by crisis.