Refugee health
Refugee health: a simple overview
Refugees are people forced to leave their homes because of war, persecution, or other dangers. Moving to a new country can bring many health challenges. They may face infections, chronic illnesses that are common in their new home, and mental health problems from what they have lived through. A person’s health can also be affected by where they came from, the camps or cities they stayed in, and their own physical and emotional state.
Common health risks
- Refugees often have higher risks for infections and some chronic diseases because of crowded living conditions, poor nutrition, and limited medical care.
- Mental health is a big issue. Trauma from war and flight can lead to PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which can affect many parts of life.
- When refugees arrive in wealthier countries, they may use health services differently than native populations and can face barriers to care.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
- NCDs are illnesses not spread from person to person, like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
- Poor nutrition and changing lifestyles after migration can raise the risk of these diseases.
- Diabetes is common among refugees. There are two main types: Type 1 (usually starts young and needs insulin) and Type 2 (often linked to lifestyle and nutrition). Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy.
- Anemia (low red blood cells) is also common and can cause tiredness. It’s often due to iron deficiency.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) and other heart-related conditions are found in some refugee groups, linked to diet, activity levels, and genetics.
Infectious diseases and vaccines
- Tuberculosis (TB) is more common among refugees in some places. Screening is standard in many countries, often with a skin test and, if needed, a chest X-ray.
- Hepatitis infections (A, B, and C) affect many refugees in different regions. Vaccination and testing help prevent serious illness.
- Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food or water; vaccines are important, especially in crowded camps.
- Vaccines protect against many illnesses. Refugees may lack documentation, so countries often check and provide vaccines per local guidelines.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Refugees can be at higher risk for STIs due to disrupted lives and limited access to protection and care.
- Routine screening for conditions like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV is common when people move to a new country.
Parasitic infections and malaria
- Parasites (like those causing giardiasis or leishmaniasis) are a health concern in some camps and regions.
- Malaria is a risk in certain areas and may be treated or prevented before arrival or after arriving in the new country.
- Clean water and good hygiene help prevent many parasites and other infections.
COVID-19 and other health threats
- COVID-19 hits crowded camps hard because it spreads easily and health services can be stretched.
- Testing, vaccination, good hygiene, and clear information help reduce spread.
- Information campaigns sometimes use community workers and messages sent by phone to reach people with limited literacy.
Mental health and trauma
- Many refugees have experienced violence, loss, and displacement. This can lead to PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- Mental health care must fit cultural beliefs and be available in languages refugees understand.
- Screening for emotional distress can be part of overall health checks. Support from family, communities, and trained professionals can help people recover and adjust.
Menstrual health
- Menstruation requires clean water, private and safe toilets, and access to sanitary products.
- In camps with poor facilities, women and girls can face health risks and stigma, making it hard to manage monthly care.
Work, daily life, and health literacy
- Some refugees work in jobs with special health risks and long hours. Language, costs, and time can stop people from getting care.
- Health literacy (how well people understand health information) is often limited. Easy-to-understand guidance and culturally appropriate education can help people follow care plans and stay healthy.
- Building partnerships with refugee communities improves access to information and services.
Immunization and care in new countries
- Many refugees need catch-up vaccinations after moving.
- Countries follow their own immunization schedules, with guidance from global health organizations.
- In the U.S., refugees applying for permanent residency should be fully vaccinated according to official recommendations.
Social support and integration
- Good social support helps refugees cope with stress and stay healthy. Sometimes support from outside refugee networks is needed too.
- Orientation programs about health, laws, culture, and services help newcomers adjust and stay healthy.
What helps refugee health
- Early health screening that checks for infections, nutrition, and mental health.
- Culturally sensitive care that respects beliefs and uses interpreters when needed.
- Vaccination programs and access to medicines.
- Clean water, sanitation, and safe living conditions in camps and settlements.
- Community programs that share health information in simple language.
- Flexible health services that fit work and family responsibilities.
- Safe housing and less crowded living conditions, especially during outbreaks.
- Special attention to women, children, and people with disabilities.
Refugee health is about preventing illness, treating diseases early, and helping people rebuild their lives with dignity. Simple, respectful care that fits each person’s culture and language makes the biggest difference.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 09:03 (CET).