UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, applauds Spain for its actions today in bringing to an end a sea-rescue crisis on the Mediterranean after a ship, the Aquarius, was refused permission to land and disembark elsewhere more than 600 rescued people. After spending over a week at sea, and with some having been transferred from the Aquarius to two Italian ships, the over 600 people were finally disembarked today in the port of Valencia, where their needs will be assessed, including identifying any who might be at risk and in need of international protection. UNHCR has offered support to the Spanish authorities. “We’re grateful this ordeal is over for all involved, but this incident is something that should never have happened in the first place,” said Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. “Rescue at sea is too important a principle to jeopardize, and any wavering about disembarkation presents grave peril not just to refugees and migrants but to anyone in difficulty at sea.” UNHCR advocates for assured and predictable regional disembarkation in situations of rescue at sea - and following disembarkation, for proper responsibility sharing arrangements, to avoid situations in which countries are penalized by being left to manage processing and follow up alone. UNHCR is ready to work with States of the Mediterranean to achieve this.

{ May Highlights } ------------------ JHF/ OCHA - Eight proposals were received from different national and international organizations, early May the SAG reviewed them all and share sector recommendation with OCHA. OCHA board accepted three proposals including renal dialysis project by QRC, the JPS project to support secondary health care for priority emergency obstetric and neonatal cases and cash for health project by MEDAIR. Nutrition Sub Working Group:  The preparations for the micro-nutrient deficiency survey has finished. The protocol, the questionnaires and the agreements with the IPS are ready.  The survey will include everyone in the country including the refugees in the camps (Zaatari, Azraq and EJC)  Data collection will start in September. Reproductive Health Sub Working Group (RHSWG):  Advocacy efforts to revoke the January 2018 new policy for providing RH services to Syrian refugees continue. The MCH Directorate with the support of the group has succeed in obtaining prime ministry’s approval to exclude preventive RH services to Syrian refugees from the new policy. The decision is subjected to a final approval from Health Insurance Administration in order to be implemented. Mental Health:  MHPSS adopting online 4ws mapping tool, and in contact with MHPSS.NET global network to support implementation of the 4Ws online mapping.  WHO and MoH launched the new updated mental health and substance use Action Plan 2018-2021. Berm Situation:  There is a significant increase in the number of patients during May. The average of patients per day is 230. A total of 30,730 visits to Rukban clinic for medical consultation, management and treatment and 942 cases of admission to Jordan since December, 2016  Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common acute health conditions with 25% of acute consultations being for this reason.  The most prevalent chronic condition is hypertension constituted 29% of all chronic consultations. Zaatari Camp:  The Handover process between IMC and MSF for their location completed. The caravans will be utilized to strengthen the secondary health care system inside the camp by Moroccan field hospital and IMC clinics.  Second round of rodent campaign took place in the camp from May 22nd to June 7th. Health Care providers in the camp were sensitized about the implementation locations, the signs and symptoms of poisoning, and cases to be directed to Moroccan field hospital to be given the antidote.