First things first: refugees have basic health needs (Image: Csaba Domotor/Xinhua/eyevine)
While politicians argue over the details, European health services are gearing up to treat refugees from Syria and elsewhere. Many have a complex set of physical and psychological problems, and addressing these will be vital for helping refugees settle in the European Union, according to specialists in refugee health.
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Physical toll
A whole range of chronic, non-communicable conditions can affect these people. A found that Syrians arriving at camps outside their country鈥檚 borders had high rates of diabetes and high blood pressure.
Respiratory infections, diarrhoea and gastrointestinal problems can also be common, and the collapse of healthcare systems back home means that children may not be up to date with vaccines against common childhood diseases like measles, says Sharuna Verghis, co-founder and director of the , a refugee mental health charity based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The long packed journeys to safer countries also take their toll on the musculoskeletal system. People who鈥檝e had to squat in cramped conditions may be unable to walk once they鈥檝e reached their destination, says Verghis. 鈥淭hey also suffer skin problems such as sunburn and exposure to salt if they鈥檝e travelled by sea.鈥�
Years of anxiety
So far this year, around 300,000 to 350,000 refugees have reached European shores. Many have already endured years of physical and mental trauma. 鈥淭he vast majority come from conflict zones like Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan, and are simply running for their lives,鈥� the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ant贸nio Guterres .
鈥淭his means they鈥檙e already carrying a considerable burden in terms of mental health issues,鈥� says Verghis. This can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood and anxiety disorders, and panic attacks, she says, and can be exacerbated by uncertainties over a person鈥檚 residence or legal status once they reach a safer country.
The 2013 UNHCR study found that 21.6 per cent of Syrians in a refugee camp in Jordan were suffering from generalised anxiety disorders, while 8.5 per cent had PTSD.
Handling the crisis
People who have experienced serious persistent worries about their safety may be suffering from nightmares, intrusive memories and flashbacks, and may find it hard to trust those trying to help them. European health workers will need to take all this into account, according to a .
91色情片care workers are being encouraged to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere, so that people feel comfortable enough to talk about their lives and medical needs. Women who have suffered sexual violence may worry about being stigmatised if they describe their experiences, and some men may culturally feel unable to express fear or other emotions.
Verghis says identifying exceptionally vulnerable people will be a priority, including unaccompanied children, the elderly, disabled and those who鈥檝e been tortured. But first, she says, very basic facilities must be provided for refugees while their needs are being assessed in their new countries 鈥� toilets and food, as well as sanitary towels for women, and diapers for babies.
