Introduction
The incidence of migration is the key indicator of the health and wellness of the migrants. Migrants and refugees are the most unsafe people in society and often face nationalism, racism, lack of work, no house, and lack of healthcare approach, which leads to physical and mental health issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased incidence of deaths among refugees and migrants, and they also faced the harmful effects of lockdowns and restrictions. World health organization has released a program for the health promotion of refugees and migrants.
Who Are Refugees and Migrants, and What Are the Issues Faced by Them?
Refugees are persons who are living away from their belonging countries because of violence or persecution on account of religion, race, and political views. A migrant is an individual who departs from their country to another or within the same country. Migrants also include international students and workers. Many people leave the lands on their own will, but sometimes due to war, discrimination, and persecution, they have to go, which affects their mental and physical health. Due to long journeys, many migrants spend their long time living in camps or refugee centers. The situation in these centers is very unpleasant, and the lack of healthcare facilities impacts their health. Females of reproductive age and children are also there in the migrant groups, lack of facilities will cause malnutrition and anemia in these people. The lack of menstrual hygiene products and spaces for disposal is the biggest issue faced by these women. Traumatic incidence in the home countries leads to migration, stress, long journey, and discrimination, impacting their mental health. They are at higher risk of getting chronic and infectious diseases.
What Are the Common Diseases Faced by Refugees and Migrants?
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Diabetes: Refugees and migrants are at higher risk of developing diabetes due to malnutrition.
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Anemia: Females of reproductive age and children under five years are more prone to anemia because of the diet's low nutrient content.
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Hypertension: Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are related to poor diet and less physical activity.
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Tuberculosis: The risk of developing tuberculosis is higher in refugees and migrants than in the local population.
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Hepatitis B: It is endemic in many countries, and the hepatitis B virus quickly infects refugees and migrants.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Lack of resources, unprotected sex, and rape can give rise to many sexually transmitted diseases in refugees and migrants.
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COVID-19: It is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus that results in respiratory tract illness. Due to the lack of services and space, refugees cannot maintain social distancing and hygiene, hence exposed to COVID-19.
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Parasitic Infections: Refugees and migrants are at high risk of parasitic infections due to a lack of safe drinking water and unhygienic camps. Giardiasis is also commonly seen among these populations.
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Mental Health: High incidences of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety are reported in new migrants and refugees.
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Women’s Health: Maintaining good hygiene during the menstrual cycle is essential. Females must change sanitary pads and take baths daily to maintain good personal hygiene. Lack of resources (hygienic pads, running water, and soaps) can cause reproductive tract infections and bacterial vaginosis.
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Occupational Health: Increased occupational mortality and morbidity incidences are reported among migrants and refugees.
What Are the Barriers Faced by Refugees and Migrants to Access Healthcare?
Migrants are refugees who are usually eliminated from health promotion programs, prevention, treatment, and financial support in terms of health. They are generally charged with high-cost services and poor health education. Females may find difficulty in addressing sexual violence on them. Refugee and migrant children also face discrimination, abuse, and no access to healthcare. To reduce the danger of contracting specific illnesses and diseases, their camps and facilities must have access to clean, safe drinking water. teach their kids how to deal with fear and various mental health issues.
What Are the Actions Needed to Improve the Conditions of Refugees and Migrants?
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Health Education: By providing the proper health education, refugee and migrant populations will follow the treatment plans and prevention methods. Health education must be provided in their preferred language to quickly understand the infection and diseases, their impact, and prevention methods.
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Non-communicable Diseases: A community-based approach is needed to prevent the risk of non-communicable diseases in migrant and refugee populations. Promoting healthy living practices should be initiated, and the government should provide adequate resources to the refugees and migrants according to their needs.
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Immunizations: Refugees and migrants must be vaccinated to avoid disease risk.
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Social Support: Community acceptance and approval are essential to prevent mental health conditions. It gives a sense of safe feeling to the refugee and migrant populations and helps them to eliminate the fear of discrimination and abuse.
Conclusion
Refugees and migrants have already faced deliberate events and trauma in their home countries and have the right to enjoy and access high-quality health facilities without financial barriers. Healthcare systems should include the need of refugees and migrants in health management, funding, planning, execution, and observation. During a crisis or emergency, the migrants and refugees are provided with an immediate response regarding healthcare facilities. The health of refugee and migrants are improved by removing the health inequalities and discrimination in the community. Refugees and migrants must have the necessary resources for daily healthy living. Safe and fresh drinking water supply to their camps and centers is required to avoid the risk of certain infections and diseases. Educate their children to overcome fear and many mental health problems. Proper diet and medications are supplied to these pregnant women to avoid post-delivery complications and reduce the number of infant and maternal death rates. A safe place must be available for women to prevent sexual assault. Employment opportunities are provided to these populations to access health better and feel independent, reducing stress and avoiding the risk of many diseases associated with stress. They can overcome the fear and trauma if they get proper social support and acceptance. They can learn the importance of health maintenance and ways to prevent certain diseases through adequate healthcare facilities and education through healthy living and proper hygiene maintenance.
