The threat posed by an avian and human influenza pandemic to refugees and other persons of concern

Refugees and populations displaced by conflict are likely to be particularly vulnerable to a human influenza pandemic, especially in countries which have weak infrastructure. Fatality rates of up to 40 percent are recorded during annual seasonal outbreaks of human influenza among populations of uprooted people in countries like Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The main risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality from pandemic influenza in the population of concern to UNHCR are:

1.  Overcrowding (specially in camps)
2.  Poor sanitation
3.  High prevalence of malnutrition
4.  High prevalence of communicable diseases
5.  Lack of access to health facilities
6.  Lack of health staff
7.  Lack of medical supplies

Without advocacy, the refugees, displaced people and other persons of concern to UNHCR will risk being excluded from national and regional preparedness planning. In the event of an emergency, limited resources for surveillance, infection control and disease management are unlikely to be directed towards refugees and other persons of concern.

Communication efforts may not take into account specific linguistic and cultural needs. Refugees and other persons of concern risk being stigmatised and the quarantine of whole camps may follow.

The ability of UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies to provide help will be affected due to absenteeism, disruption in supply chains and restriction of movement. Meanwhile, as relief providers they will most likely face an increase in demand for humanitarian action.

Congolese woman sitting in front of her shelter in Gasorwe camp, Burundi. Over 7,500 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) live in the two camps run by UNHCR. © UNHCR/C.-L.Grayson