What Health Issues Do Refugees Face?
Most asylum seekers are healthy when they begin their new lives away from home. The World Health Organization’s report on the health of refugees and migrants dispelled the notion that this population brought communicable diseases to their host nations. On the contrary, unless they had become ill before relocating, these people were in good health, with a lower risk of developing all kinds of cancer (except for cervical) than the host population.
Unfortunately, they often become vulnerable to disease while in transition, or if they must endure lengthy periods in refugee camps with poor sanitation or inadequate food and water. Living among so many other people means infectious diseases, like tuberculosis or intestinal parasites, spread easily. Chronic conditions such as diabetes are reportedly also higher in refugees.
Because of language barriers, legal status, or simple discrimination, these displaced peoples can have a hard time accessing health care. This can cause a major barrier to resettling successfully. It’s hard enough to begin a new life, find a job or go to school while in poor health. Physical health is not the only concern among refugees – a great many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. This is understandable given the lengthy process involved with seeking asylum while living in poor conditions.
Humanitarian aid is critical to helping refugees receive the basic right of healthcare. The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) provides healthcare for the Afghan refugees who live in Pakistan and works to promote access to water, sanitation and hygiene. We advocate for the rights of all uprooted people, including internally displaced people, refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of human trafficking, and migrants regardless of faith, race, ethnicity, or nationality. Our efforts include a child safeguarding policy, monetary assistance, building awareness, and championing the causes of these often unseen people, deprived of basic rights. We need your help to achieve our goals. Visit our website and learn how you can help end this humanitarian crisis.
