Over the past year (April 2025 – March 2026), Santangelo Clinic has become a vital point of access to primary healthcare and health education for Iraqi asylum seekers and vulnerable Jordanian families in the Marka district of Amman. The clinic was established in 2023 thanks to the generous donation of Dr. Eugenia Santangelo, in memory of her brother Graziano, and later continued working under the project “Primary Care and Health Education for Asylum Seekers and Vulnerable Communities in Amman,” financed by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). The clinic has delivered strong results in both service provision and patient satisfaction, demonstrating the importance of accessible, community-based healthcare.

During this first year of implementation, a total of 1,124 individuals directly accessed clinic services, exceeding expectations in terms of engagement and demand. In total, the clinic recorded 3,229 patient accesses, reflecting not only one-time visits but also continuity of care for many beneficiaries. This high level of utilisation confirms the clinic’s role as a trusted and accessible health service within the community.

A key achievement of the project is its ability to reach diverse vulnerable groups. Among clinic patients, 49% were Iraqi asylum seekers, 47% were Jordanian nationals, and 4% belonged to other nationalities. Importantly, women represented 55% of all patients, highlighting the success of a gender-sensitive approach that ensured a safe and welcoming environment for female beneficiaries.

Beyond medical consultations, Santangelo Clinic has played a crucial role in addressing financial barriers to healthcare. Through the “cash for health” mechanism, all 1,124 patients received support for medication and medical aids when needed. Each case was carefully assessed by the medical team and coordinated with project staff before procurement, ensuring both appropriateness and accountability. In addition, 19 patients were referred to specialised services, receiving access to treatments and medical support otherwise unavailable to them.

One of the most significant outcomes of the first year is the level of patient satisfaction. According to daily monitoring conducted through KoboCollect surveys, 100% of patients reported being satisfied with the services received. All respondents rated their experience as excellent, highlighting the clinic’s location, working hours, cleanliness, comfort, and reduced waiting times. Half of the patients reported being fully cured at the time of follow-up, while the remaining half showed partial improvement and continued treatment. Every respondent stated they would recommend the clinic to others.

In parallel with service delivery, the project also implemented health education activities aimed at improving awareness and preventive practices among beneficiaries. Three training cycles were conducted for men, women, and families of persons with disabilities. While post-test results showed that only 30% of participants scored above 60/100, qualitative feedback indicated a much higher level of satisfaction and engagement.

In fact, 81% of women and 85% of family members of persons with disabilities reported being satisfied with the training sessions. Many participants emphasised the relevance of the topics and the clarity of the delivery. A slightly lower-than-expected test score was largely attributed to participants leaving sessions early or not completing all questions, rather than a lack of understanding. These findings highlight an important lesson for future programming: the need for more interactive methodologies and additional time for consolidation of key messages before evaluation.In parallel with service delivery, the project also implemented health education activities aimed at improving awareness and preventive practices among beneficiaries. Three training cycles were conducted for men, women, and families of persons with disabilities. While post-test results showed that only 30% of participants scored above 60/100, qualitative feedback indicated a much higher level of satisfaction and engagement.

Beyond the numbers, the clinic’s impact is best understood through individual stories.

A case in point is that of a 50-year-old Iraqi woman who had been living with undiagnosed hypertension for years. After diagnosis at the Santangelo Outpatient Clinic, she received constant follow-up and a carefully adapted treatment plan. Through regular monitoring and medication management, her blood pressure was stabilized. Today she enjoys good health, demonstrating the importance of continuity of care in preventing serious complications.

Another case involves an 11-year-old Syrian boy with cerebral palsy who received a specialized wheelchair through the project. The intervention significantly improved his quality of life, enabling him to interact more with his family, reduce isolation, and participate more actively in daily life. The mother reported marked improvements both emotionally and physically.

A third story involves a 55-year-old Iraqi mother caring for her son with Down syndrome and chronic conditions. Thanks to the Santangelo Outpatient Clinic, her son received essential care and medical support, with clear improvements in his condition. At the same time, participation in project activities has provided the mother with important emotional relief, opportunities for socialization, and a break from daily isolation, contributing positively to her psychological well-being.

Overall, these results show that it is more than just a health facility: it is a space of continuity, trust and dignity for communities experiencing prolonged conditions of vulnerability.

As the project enters its next phase, the first year has laid a solid foundation: high demand for services, full patient satisfaction, effective medical interventions, and significant social impact.

The Santangelo Outpatient Clinic thus establishes itself as a key pillar of primary care access in the Marka district, filling gaps in the system and ensuring care for those who need it most.