Project Overview
This project aimed to assess and strengthen the resilience of local health systems and communities in the Northern Jordan Valley in response to the growing health risks associated with climate change. The region is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures, water scarcity, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events, which can exacerbate the spread of infectious diseases and place additional pressure on already fragile health services. The project sought to generate evidence on climate-related health vulnerabilities and develop strategic recommendations to support climate-resilient health planning.
Key Information
- Funded by
- USAID
- Duration
- 3 years
- Location
- Northern Jordan Valley, Palestine
- Direct beneficiaries
- Approximately 25,000 residents of the Northern Jordan Valley
- Implementation period
- 2024 – 2025 (project halted due to changes in U.S. government funding policy)
Objectives
To assess the vulnerability and preparedness of local health systems and communities in the Jordan Valley to climate-related health risks and to develop evidence-based recommendations for strengthening climate resilience in the health sector.
Key Activities
The project conducted comprehensive assessments to examine the relationship between climate conditions and health outcomes in the region. Activities included in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals, surveys assessing health system preparedness, and community-level assessments using the Climate Vulnerability and Capacity Analysis methodology. The project also analyzed patterns of climate-related infectious diseases and environmental health risks. A policy-oriented consultation process, including a Policy Lab, was planned to support the development of a localized climate and health resilience strategy for the Jordan Valley.
Results and Impact
The project generated important baseline information on the vulnerabilities of communities and health systems in the Jordan Valley to climate-related risks. It contributed to improving understanding of how climate change may influence the emergence and spread of infectious diseases in the region and highlighted key gaps in preparedness and adaptation capacity. Although the project was halted due to external funding policy changes, the assessments and initial findings provide valuable insights to inform future climate-health adaptation strategies.
Strategic Contribution
The project demonstrates the importance of integrating climate change considerations into public health planning and community resilience strategies. By examining the intersection of environmental change and health systems preparedness, the initiative contributes to advancing climate-health research and policy dialogue in Palestine. It also supports broader efforts to strengthen adaptive capacity in vulnerable regions facing increasing climate pressures.