J Korean Med Sci.  2023 Feb;38(6):e60. 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e60.

Refugee Health: A Global and Multidisciplinary Challenge

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
  • 2National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
  • 3Department of Internal Medicine N2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
  • 4Departments of Rheumatology and Research and Development, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching Trust of the University of Birmingham, UK), Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, UK

Abstract

The ongoing war and evolving humanitarian crisis in Ukraine have forced millions of women, children, and elderly people to flee the war zones and relocate across Poland, other European countries, and elsewhere in the world. As a result, numerous health issues have emerged in the host countries, ranging from the refugees’ low immunization coverage to psychological distress and multimorbidities. Humanitarian support and multidisciplinary approach to the issues may help to improve the refugees’ health and well-being. Involving relocated medics in rehabilitation and medical care of their compatriots may offer psychosocial and health benefits.

Keyword

Refugees; Relief Work; Psychological Distress; Mental Health; Child; Women; Aged; Reproductive Health; Rehabilitation; Vaccination; Ukraine; Sustainable Development

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