In 2018, the UN Refugee Agency and its partners provided healthcare to more than 10.5 million refugees in need.
Disease can often run rampant in refugee camps and evacuation centers across the world. Millions of refugees and displaced families are often struck by water and mosquito borne illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, and malaria.
The UN Refugee Agency and its partners provided healthcare to more than 10.5 million refugees in need.
“With the majority of refugees, 84 per cent, hosted in developing regions where basic services are already strained, national health systems need more support than ever to ensure refugees and their local host communities can access life-saving and essential health care,” said UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, George Okoth-Obbo.
Delivering Health
A recent UNHCR report revealed that important strides were made in refugee health care despite the increased number of displacement in 2018.
UNHCR continues to strengthen its partnerships with host governments improving access of health care to displaced families and strengthening national health programs. Health workers and staff continue to supplement this with community initiatives such as vaccinations.
The report also surfaced progress in key health issues that historically affected refugees in emergencies. In 2018, mortality rates of refugee children lowered by 0.3 percent each month. Meanwhile, health activities supported by UNHCR ensured that maternal and newborn mortality are effectively reduced. Skill assistance helped 90 percent of refugee women successfully deliver their babies in 2018.
In the Philippines, prevention is better than cure
In the Philippines, health is often prioritized by communities in the form of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives sponsored by UNHCR.
As the cornerstone of human health, water-related programs are a top priority in ensuring the holistic wellbeing of the forcibly displaced. The access to safe water is a keystone in preventing water borne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.
Through your support, UNHCR resolved water-related health concerns through the installation of water tanks and the renovation of water systems in several barangays.
More support needed for health programs
As global displacement maintains an upward trend, delivering the gift of health to refugees will prove to be more challenging. This means health programs are expected to keep up with this growing need to prevent a domino effect of health concerns. We believe in the kindness of our donors and supporters to maintain our live-saving work. Continue supporting our health initiatives, please click here.
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