Empowering War Refugees to Take Charge of Their Health And Nutrition

The devastating effects of war leave permanent scars not just on the infrastructure of a country but most importantly on the people who have been directly affected by it. The ongoing wars and conflicts in different parts of the world have resulted in the displacement of millions, which means many individuals and families have lost their homes, livelihood, and even loved ones.

The situation is incredibly heartbreaking for refugees who are displaced from their homes and are forced to deal with an unfathomable amount of trauma and stress. Unfortunately, being in a state of distress does not offer any alternative but to focus on survival which most times, means finding somewhere to sleep, something to eat and most importantly, to remain strong and healthy.

However, the issue of health and nutrition for war refugees is not only of importance from the immediate relief and survival point of view, but it’s also an enduring problem that affects the long-term health of refugees, especially children. With no access to healthcare facilities, immunization services or even clean water and sanitation, it is no surprise that refugees are vulnerable to several health hazards including malnutrition, infectious diseases and poor mental health.

For this reason, health and Nutrition organizations and aid agencies have been developing and implementing programs that are aim at empowering and educating refugees on how to take charge of their health. This means teaching refugees about common and life-threatening diseases, the importance of hygiene and sanitation, and malnutrition, among others.

By focusing on educating and empowering refugees, these programs try to ensure that they have the knowledge and tools to confidently manage their own health care. This often includes the provision of support groups and materials in the local languages of the refugees, as well as employment opportunities within the health and nutrition sector itself. This approach serves double-duty by providing both essential health education, as well as providing job opportunities to refugees themselves.

Credit: www.unicef.org

Health and Nutrition Education Programs

Many of the programs offered by health and nutrition organizations are designed to provide the practical knowledge that refugees need to manage their health and nutrition. For many refugees, access to basic healthcare remains largely out of reach, making it critical that they know the basics such as, how to identify signs of malnutrition, how to provide first aid and basic healthcare services, and how to prepare nutritious meals with local food items.

Such programs require considerable resources and are designed to provide the refugees with the necessary knowledge and resources to enable them to start a sustainable livelihood within their respective communities. The training of refugees also plays a fundamental role in ensuring that once they return to their homeland, they will have the foundation needed to continue to build their health care system.

Provision of Medical Aid

Good health and nutrition rely heavily on the availability of medical aid. This includes access to basic healthcare services such as immunization and vaccination services, hospitals, emergency medical care, and health inspections, among others. The lack of basic healthcare services often makes it difficult for refugees to get the required medical attention. For this reason, health and nutrition organizations operate mobile clinics and medical camps in refugee camps to ensure the provision of healthcare services to the refugees from time to time.

Moreover, health and nutrition organizations also provide low-cost healthcare services and secure access to essential medications, allowing refugees to receive the medical attention they need at affordable costs. The use of telemedicine has also enabled health and nutrition experts to reach displaced populations in remote areas where traditional healthcare services are not readily available.

Credit: www.armyupress.army.mil

Conclusion

Providing access to healthcare and nutrition remains a critical area of concern for refugees worldwide. Consequently, health and nutrition experts have started designing programs and supporting initiatives that educate and empower refugees to take charge of their health and nutrition. By providing this knowledge and the necessary resources, refugees can take ownership of their health and nutrition, leading to a more sustainable and empowered refugee population.