If you’re living a contented, happy life and you have to suddenly move to another place due to some reason, would you like it? Unfortunately, there are millions of people living as refugees across the world, many have had to move out of their homes due to civil war, draught, or other man-made causes. They don’t just live an uncertain life, many a time they find it difficult to access basic human necessities like food, clothing, shelter, sanitation, education, and medical care. Many world relief organizations are doing all they can to help these vulnerable people..
Common health issues faced by refugees
Preventable diseases- When suddenly needing to relocate, many refugees have no option but to live in squalid conditions in informal or formal refugee camps. Here, they are housed in temporary accommodations without enough power or sanitation facilities. Also, these accommodations do not help protect against harsh climates. Food and water may not be immediately available or it may be unhygienic or not fit for consumption. This results in preventable diseases like typhoid, cholera, measles, diarrhea, and even COVID. Though we hear about the refugees only intermittently on the news, they require constant medical care and many organizations have made it their mission to help them in any way.
Chronic issues- The most vulnerable lot of the refugees- the elderly and young children, may have pre-existing ailments that go untreated due to lack of access to medical care. This includes diabetes, hypertension, anemia, influenza, and many other ailments that the elderly and young children may face. If they don’t get life-saving medication or treatment on time, they could lose their lives or their families would be forced to take on debt to get them treated at the nearest health center. Many nonprofits like Dr. Michelle Corral’s Chesed realize this and do whatever they can to help these refugees, especially the current ones in Ukraine and Syria.
Mental health issues- Many refugees go through a lot of trauma while leaving their beloved hometowns and sometimes their loved ones. This could manifest into depression, anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, sleep issues, irritability, and much more. Some may even have suicidal thoughts or may enter the war as an excuse to avenge the death of loved ones. These people need counseling and medical attention to prevent another health catastrophe. There is only one way, what we believe, can help these people- praying to God and motivating the youth to volunteer for the betterment of their exiled countrymen.
Reproductive and sexual health issues- During a civil war, there are almost always cases of sexual and other forms of violence that affect women. Besides, living in overcrowded refugee camps means they do not have access to menstrual health products or proper sanitation, raising the risk of them getting infections as a result. Lack of access to contraceptives or pregnancy guidance can also affect the health of women. Therefore, regular medical assistance to refugees is crucial in such cases.
Lastly,
Vulnerable refugees require our constant help and aid. For many of them, the uncertainty of the future and challenging living conditions mean they are dependent on donations until they can stand up on their own feet or return to their homes when the time is right. We could help these people by donating a part of our income regularly toward Dr. Corral’s Chesed NGO which works for the betterment of these people. Donate now and get the immense blessings of these refugees!
