PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES FULL
PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES REGISTRATION

During the journey out of their country, refugees may face harsh or dangerous conditions that have severe consequences for their physical and psychological wellbeing. Health needs can be acute, such as emergency obstetric care, or chronic such as diabetes.īefore displacement, many refugees live in countries experiencing humanitarian crises. The health needs of refugees depend on many factors: pre-existing conditions and the state of healthcare in their country before fleeing, the length and conditions of their displacement and their access to health services in their host country. What are the main health needs of refugees? We analyze and use this data with governments and partners to monitor health issues and needs and advocate for healthcare planning and policy decisions. Strategic Health Information – Our multiple surveys and databases collect and store refugee health, nutrition and WASH data.We provide soap, cleaning products, and feminine hygiene products to women and girls so they can manage their menstruation with privacy and dignity. We fund the construction of sanitation facilities that capture and contain harmful pathogens. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) – We build water supply and treatment systems to ensure sufficient quantity of safe drinking water.

PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES REGISTRATION

Our registration and biometrics systems support partners' food distribution and cash assistance.

Working closely with partners, we design targeted nutrition programs for refugees. Nutrition and Food Security - Our Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) assesses refugees' nutrition status and identifies ways to improve outcomes.We also guide and build clinical care capacity for survivors of rape and intimate partner violence and support HIV management. Sexual and Reproductive Health & HIV - We provide guidance and training on maternal and newborn care, contraception and family planning.We also weave psychosocial support into health, protection, education and sports programming. We advocate for mental health screenings in primary healthcare visits. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) - We provide technical guidance, training and essential medicines for treating refugees with mental health and neurological conditions.We also fund and supply medicines and equipment to national health systems or partners to provide primary and secondary healthcare services. We advocate for refugee healthcare inclusion directly with governments, NGOs, local partners and communities. Access to Healthcare - Wherever possible, we aim to help refugees access health services through existing national health systems.Our core programming in public health is broken down into six principal areas: UNHCR Global Public Health Strategy 2021-2025.Annual Public Health Global Review - 2021.Framework of priorities and principles to promote the health of refugees and migrants (external link).Public Health and Nutrition in Operationalizing the Global Compact for Refugees.Interagency collaboration is adapted on a country-by-country basis according to the level of existing care available and refugee needs. Through our advocacy, programming and partnerships, many refugees and host communities can access safe, effective, equitable and affordable health services. We begin by approaching public health from multiple angles, including advocacy for inclusion into health policies and systems, increased access to healthcare, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, promotion of healthy living and collection and analysis of health data. We have over 140 partners in governments, ministries of health, UN agencies, NGOs, academia and the private sector.

PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES FULL

We strive to improve the health and wellbeing of refugees by addressing the full spectrum of their needs. How does UNHCR help improve the health and wellbeing of refugees? Where national services are unavailable or unable to cover additional needs, we prioritize working with governments to improve health services and include refugees in national health systems and plans. Our approach to public health is in line with the Global Compact for Refugees. Many refugees, however, face tremendous obstacles in meeting their health needs. The right to health means that all of us can access affordable essential health services when and where we need them.

The right to health exists for all people, including refugees.

Public health issues